The MolinaCares Accord Awards $50,000 to Expand St. Louis-Area Program Preparing Students for Careers in the Medical Field
Media Contact: Ben Jackey, Ben.Jackey@MolinaHealthCare.com
ST. LOUIS, November 12, 2026 — The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Missouri (“Molina”), announced a $50,000 grant to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital to support BJC HealthCare’s Workforce Pathways Program and its partnership with BELIEVE Academy.
BELIEVE Academy is a charter school that focuses on preparing students for careers in healthcare upon graduation. BJC HealthCare and BELIEVE Academy created the Workforce Pathways Program, which is designed to help build a local pipeline of students with the training, credentials and exposure needed to pursue roles in healthcare after high school through five clinical pathways: nursing, radiologic technology, respiratory care, clinical laboratory sciences, and perioperative services. The St. Louis region continues to face demand for trained healthcare workers, with hospitals across Missouri reporting persistent workforce shortages and a 10% annual employee vacancy rate in critical clinical roles, including nursing and allied health professions.
“We’re incredibly grateful to MolinaCares for their generous investment in our young people, their futures, and the health of our communities,” said Dr. Steven Player, vice president for belonging and inclusion at BJC HealthCare. “Their support goes beyond funding a program. Through initiatives like BELIEVE, they’re helping open doors to meaningful careers in healthcare, creating opportunities that can change lives, strengthen families, and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
Grant funding from MolinaCares will support weekly clinical education and career training for students across career pathways. The grant will also help purchase clinical supplies, curriculum development, summer enrichment programming, and renovations to learning spaces. There are currently 300 students enrolled at BELIEVE Academy. The school plans to reach full capacity by fall 2027 with at least 400 students.
“Missouri’s local healthcare workforce depends on creating opportunities for students today,” said Jay Ludlam, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Missouri. “Through this investment, Molina is helping students develop critical skills, explore rewarding careers, and prepare to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals in their hometown.”
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About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
About Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare, please visit MolinaHealthcare.com.