Conference Travel Deadline: March 2026

by Kayla Harris | Feb 4, 2026 | News | 0 comments

The next quarterly Conference Travel Funding Award application deadline is right around the corner!

We provide ALL our eligible members with up to $3,000* once per year (in reimbursements) to attend local and national conferences

*Amount updated in Plan of Benefits Jan 2026

Get Started: Conference Funding

Funding is Awarded Quarterly

Benefit awards will be announced each quarter for upcoming conferences. Applications must be submitted prior to conference attendance to qualify.

Apply before March 1st for any upcoming conference.

We encourage you to apply early! Pre-approval is required. You must apply for funding BEFORE you attend the conference.

Members also have professional development money available to them.

Professional Development Benefits

These benefits enable you to attend conferences, advance your career, and minimize personal out-of-pocket costs.

Here’s how it works:

Conference funding can cover the cost of travel (hotel, transportation expenses, etc.) and registration fees.
Professional Development benefit (reimbursement now up to $1,000/year) can cover the cost of attending a conference, e.g., registration fees.
Both benefits require members to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

The next quarterly deadline to apply for a Conference Travel Funding Award is March 1st*

*Applications must be submitted before the conference.

Benefit awards will be announced each quarter. It is recommended that applications be submitted throughout the year for an upcoming conference.

Learn About Your PD Benefits

Learn More about Conference Funding

Apply Today!

College in the High School Apprenticeships with Puget Sound Skills Center

by Kayla Harris | Jan 20, 2026 | News, Success Story | 0 comments

Our Learners and Partners say it best!

Pharmacy Technician & Behavioral Health Technician Pathways

The Training Fund’s Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium partners with local skills centers, healthcare and behavioral health employers, and colleges to run College in the High School apprenticeship programs.

We are thrilled to now partner with Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) who serves over 1,000 diverse students from across the region. We are running two programs, Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship and Behavioral Health Technician Apprenticeship, with PSSC. Students of color make up 91% of the Pharmacy Technician program and 93% of the Behavioral Health Technician program. These programs provide students with a foundation to go on to enter the healthcare and behavioral health fields.

Training Fund and PSSC Staff

Our team visited the skills center in December 2025 to hear from the instructors and students about the value of the programs. There has been increased student interest in both the Pharmacy Technician and Behavioral Health Technician pathways. We value our partnership with PSSC for their passion for guiding students and their support of these innovative programs.

The Pharmacy Technician College in High School Apprenticeship program will provide students with classroom instruction and skills learning in collaboration with PSSC. Students also earn college credit. Once classroom instruction is complete, students interested in moving into the apprenticeship program will interview with an employer partner to secure paid employment for ongoing on-the-job training to enter the healthcare workforce as a Pharmacy Technician. Apprentices “learn while they earn” – working part-time while school is in session gaining skills taught by experienced teachers, coaches, and assigned mentor/preceptor Pharmacy Technicians.

Maya Geletu, a PSSC student, shared that she has always wanted to be a doctor and after her freshman year classes gave her the opportunity to dissect pig hearts, she was committed to pursuing medicine.

Maya Geletu, PSSC Student, and Mary Galvez Ramolete, Training Fund Manager of Community Partnerships

“I’m in all the way. I was going to do running start, but my Vice President at Todd Beamer Federal Way high school told me about the pharmacy technician program and encouraged me to look into it as a step for entering healthcare. It has been really fun. So far, we have learned calculations and are starting to learn about nerves. We’re also working with skittles as practice for handling medications.”

Pharmacy Technician Classroom Supplies

Students in the program learn about the 200 most used medications, making the class a great foundation for entering any medical profession. The long-term goals of students in the class vary from considering a career in pharmacy to wanting to be a nurse, OBGYN, radiology technician, or going into sports medicine.

PSSC Pharmacy Class Students

Grace Kleps, interim program instructor, is filling in for the Pharmacy Technician class as the program launches. She finds purpose in working with students and ensuring they have the support they need. Grace was also previously an interim instructor for the Behavioral Health Technician program.

“I had a great time with the Behavioral Health Technician students! They were hungry to learn, and it meant a lot that they told me, ‘Thank you, you have taught us more than we have been able to learn.’ We went through refusal skills, listening skills, and the six steps for decision making. I helped set them up through the transition for their new instructor. It was a great class, and we talked a lot about how you have to know yourself before you can help others, understand what triggers you, and learn people and communication skills.”

Both Behavioral Health Technician classes are full, and Melissa, the new instructor for 2026, is excited to pilot the apprenticeship curriculum and connect students with opportunities. She holds a MSW and has vast professional experience in behavioral health and leadership.

“This role is the perfect culmination of my life and career. I’ve worked with youth who had barriers or gaps to education and connected them with apprenticeships, programs, and resources to give them the tangible skills they need. My goal is to give students the foundation of knowing themselves. I want to take everything I know to serve my community and these kids.”

Training Fund and PSSC Staff in the Behavioral Health classroom

The Behavioral Health Technician College in the High School Apprenticeship is a two-year program. Students have the opportunity to complete Nursing Assistant-Certified training and clinical hours. Students interested in moving into the apprenticeship program will interview with an employer partner and secure paid employment for ongoing on-the-job-training.

Students complete college in the high school apprenticeship programs with their high school diploma, college credit, and national certification, all at no cost to themselves!

Learn more about College in High School Apprenticeships

Conference Travel Deadline: December 2025

by Kayla Harris | Nov 11, 2025 | News | 0 comments

The next quarterly Conference Travel Funding Award application deadline is right around the corner!

Expanded Benefit: We provide ALL our eligible members with up to $3,500* once per year (in reimbursements) to attend local and national conferences

*Available on first-come, first-served basis, extended to June 2026 or until funds are exhausted.

*Previously $1,500 for only Pro/Tech members

Learn About Expanded Conference Funding

Funding is Awarded Quarterly

Benefit awards will be announced each quarter for upcoming conferences. Applications must be submitted prior to conference attendance to qualify.

Apply before December 1st for any upcoming conference.

We encourage you to apply early! Pre-approval is required. You must apply for funding BEFORE you attend the conference.

Members also have professional development money available to them.

Learn About Your PD Benefits

These benefits enable you to attend conferences, advance your career, and minimize personal out-of-pocket costs.

Here’s how it works:

Conference funding can cover the cost of travel (hotel, transportation expenses, etc.) and registration fees.
Professional Development benefits can cover the cost of attending a conference, e.g., registration fees.
Both benefits require members to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

The next quarterly deadline to apply for a Conference Travel Funding Award is December 1st*

*Applications must be submitted before the conference.

Benefit awards will be announced each quarter. It is recommended that applications be submitted throughout the year for an upcoming conference.

Learn More about Conference Funding

Apply Today!

End-of-Year reimbursement deadline is Dec 31!

by Kayla Harris | Oct 8, 2025 | News | 0 comments

Reimbursement Deadline: December 31, 2025

Submit your 2025 tuition assistance, education, training, or professional development reimbursement funding requests by Dec. 31.

We encourage you to submit funding requests and supporting documentation early. The sooner you submit your reimbursement, the sooner you get your money back.

Note: The Training Fund office will be closed from Dec 24, 2025 – Jan 01, 2026.

Our staff will not be available to respond or provide support while our office is closed.

Submit your reimbursement funding request early!

Professional Development

Eligible Professional Development activities can be reimbursed using these forms.

This benefit is up to $500/year for all eligible members. This benefit now covers State and Federal licenses required for employment.

Conference Travel Funding
New in 2025, all eligible members can apply for up to $3,500/year to attend a local or national conference with CEUs.

Tuition Assistance

Submit Tuition Assistance funding requests with this request form.

Reimbursement Request Process
Step 1: Pay your school costs (tuition, books, etc.). Reimbursements provided for preapproved programs and schools.

Step 2: Complete a funding request form and submit required documents to Training Fund.

Step 3: Training Fund sends reimbursement check to you.

Reimbursement checks sent within 30 days of receiving all supporting documentation.

EVS Week 2025: Training Fund benefits for Service members

by Kayla Harris | Sep 12, 2025 | News | 0 comments

Happy Environmental Services Week!

National Environmental Services week, September 14-20, 2025, honors the important work that EVS staff perform in healthcare facilities to promote better patient care. We have several programs, opportunities, and support services to help our EVS and Service members achieve their education and career goals.

Benefits for Training Fund Service Members

Tuition Assistance

Members can apply for Tuition Assistance (TA), which can cover school-related costs like tuition, books, and other fees for approved programs. After 1 year of service with your employer, Service members can apply for Tuition Assistance.

Increase in Tuition Assistance for Service members!

Eligible Service members can now apply for up to $5,250 in Tuition Assistance. The previous annual maximum cap for Service members was $3,500.

This is a limited-time opportunity that is only available on a first-come-first-served basis, or until available grant funds are exhausted.

Learn More

I am working full time and wanted to continue my education goals. I thought they would be out of reach since I was struggling with funds but because of the Tuition Assistance and the Service member Tuition Assistance funding increase I am able to take the pre-req classes I need to be able to eventually apply for nursing school.

Amanda Chu

Medical Assistant, UW Medical Center- Northwest Campus

Tuition Assistance Deadline Oct 15 & Application

Tuition Assistance Deadline: October 15, 2025

Training Fund members can apply for Tuition Assistance (TA) to cover school-related costs like tuition, books, and other fees for approved programs at accredited and approved schools.

Note: If you’re currently using Tuition Assistance, you do not need to re-apply for this benefit.

How to apply for Tuition Assistance:

Complete a Training Fund member application to connect with an Intake Coordinator and Resource Specialist, and we’ll connect you with your Navigator.
Work with your Navigator on an education plan and explore available resources.
Register for classes & submit your request for funding, if you qualify for Tuition Assistance.
Explore other benefits with your Navigator, e.g., career counseling and tutoring.

Professional Development

Service members have access to up to $500/year in Professional Development reimbursement for:

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) conference registration, courses, and required materials
Professional Memberships
National Certifications exams or courses/review materials that prepare members for those exams

You can use your Professional Development funds to cover the cost of BLS/CPR/ACLS/PALS Certification through LifeTek! Training Fund members receive a discount. Learn More

You also have free access to unlimited CEU courses through HealthStream.

All elgibile members now also have access to Conference Travel Funding up to $3,500/year to attend local or national conferences with Continuing Education credits. Learn More

Advanced Certification for EVS Technicians (ACET)

We work with some of our employer partners to offer an Advanced Certification for EVS Technicians (ACET) training. The ACET program allows EVS members to learn more skills and possibly receive certification pay. This healthcare industry-informed 24-hour EVS professional training program combines interactive online learning and examination with onsite training and assessment.

English Tutoring

Improve your English listening, speaking, reading, and writing with the Training Fund’s SMRT English program that has English Language courses specifically designed for healthcare professionals.

This easy to use, fun, online English learning includes a personal English Tutor, healthcare specific English lessons, support for every level of English, and training on using computers and internet safely. SMRT English tutoring is free for Training Fund members.

Connect with your Training Fund Navigator to discuss your tutoring needs before requesting a tutor.

Questions? Email or call us at (425) 255-0315.

Welcome to the Training Fund, Sound Behavioral Health

by Kayla Harris | Aug 19, 2025 | News | 0 comments

Welcome to our new members from Sound Behavioral Health! You may be eligible for Training Fund programs and services.

We offer education and career advancement programs so that you can develop your skills, advance your career, and improve your professional opportunities.

Watch our welcome video to learn more about the Training Fund!

Review your Plan of Benefits!

Not an SEIU Healthcare 1199NW member? You may be eligible for BEAM.

In-Person Info Sessions

Meet with us onsite, in-person at Sound Behavioral Health sites to learn more about the Training Fund and benefits and services available to you!

Auburn – Aug. 14, 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Bel Red – Aug. 15, 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Tukwila – Aug. 19, noon – 1:00 p.m.

Lake City Way – Aug. 20, noon – 1:00 p.m.

Cap Hill – Aug. 20, 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Virtual Info Sessions

Attend a virtual info session to learn more about the Training Fund and benefits and services available to you!

Register: Sunday August 24, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Register: Thursday September 4, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Register: Wednesday September 10, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Register: Saturday September 20, 9:00 a.m .- 10:00 a.m.

Register: Tuesday September 23, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Info Sessions

“The folks who historically have enough access, support and resources to do advanced study do not always align with the demographics of our patients population. Having a therapist with a shared identity and shared life experiences brings so much value to the care we’re able to provide to our patients. The Training Fund allows us to invest in our careers and better serve our patients.”

Alanna Martin

Social Worker, Kaiser Permanente

Benefits after 90 days employment

These programs and services are available to you after you have been employed by Sound Behavioral Health for 90 days:

Educational support services:	Professional Development Reimbursement $500/year
Academic support workshops	Specialty Certification
Tutoring & placement exams	Conferences/courses with CEU credits
English Language tutoring	Professional memberships with CEU as benefit
Basic computer classes	State & Federal license fees required for employment

Conference Travel Funding: Attend local or national conferences with CEU credit and we’ll reimburse travel and attendance costs up to $3,500 once a year. Pre-approval is required before attending the conference.
Career and education counseling services: Work with your Regional Education Navigator to explore resources and reach your career and education goals!
Free access to CE Unlimited courses through HealthStream
and so much more!

Please fill out our online member application to access available academic and career navigation services.

Benefits after 1 year employment: Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance

Once you have worked at Sound Behavioral Health for one year, you may also qualify for Tuition Assistance, which covers:

Tuition
School fees, standard tests including entrance, placement or learning disability assessments required or recommended by the educational institution
Required, recommended or optional course textbooks/software/ supplies noted by the course requirements
Foreign Transcript Evaluations

for a wide variety of approved healthcare education programs at regional colleges and universities.

If you are in school or planning to attend school in the 2025-2026 academic year, apply for Tuition Assistance. We encourage members to contact us early to work with a Training Fund Navigator on your education plan. Our annual Tuition Assistance deadline is October 15th for the following year.

Preapproval is required for funding. In addition to reimbursement for tuition costs, we provide Tuition Assistance vouchers so you do not have to pay up front!

Click here to learn more about Tuition Assistance.

Submit your Member Application form today to connect with a Regional Education Navigator & get started. We’re here to help you achieve your education & career goals!

Even if you have not yet worked at Sound Behavioral Health for one year, please contact us to explore academic support and resources, career planning, and how we can help you reach your goals.

Submit a Member Application form!

Review your Plan of Benefits!