Molina Healthcare of New Mexico Awards $10,000 in Scholarships to Students at Santa Fe Indian School Who Completed Health Careers Program
Media Contact: Rhonda Frazier, Rhonda.Frazier@molinahealthcare.com, (562) 980-3849
SANTA FE, N.M., June 17, 2025 – Molina Healthcare of New Mexico (“Molina”) presented 24 students with scholarships for completing a program that introduces young people to professions in health care. Scholarship recipients completed the Health Careers Program at Santa Fe Indian School, earning eligibility to complete certification as an entry-level community health worker (CHW) or tribal community health representative (CHR). The Molina scholarships will help students pay for ongoing post-secondary education.
The Community Health Worker Course is a two-semester, dual credit program in partnership with Santa Fe Community College (SFCC). In addition to classroom instruction, students participated in at least 30 hours of hands-on training at clinical sites in tribal communities. They shadowed CHRs as they transported patients to appointments, picked up prescriptions, performed blood pressure and wellness checks, and observed Native American language translations. Molina worked with partners to place students at the clinical sites.
“New Mexico is in desperate need of health care workers and Molina is proud to partner with community organizations building the next generation workforce,” said Dr. Darcie, Robran-Marquez, plan president of Molina Healthcare of New Mexico. “CHWs and CHRs directly impact the health of those they serve by removing barriers of communication, transportation, and health literacy. Congratulations to the students who completed these programs in order to serve members of their community.”
“I am truly honored and grateful to receive this scholarship from Molina Healthcare of New Mexico,” said Destiny Chino, program participant. “This marks the beginning of my journey to become a pediatrician and provide adequate health care to Indigenous children.”
Three of the students also participated in the SFCC phlebotomy program. The eight-week course includes performing 100 blood draws. Phlebotomists are now eligible to work in settings like hospitals, clinics, blood donation centers, and assisted living facilities.
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About Molina Healthcare of New Mexico
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid and Marketplace programs in New Mexico. Through its locally operated health plans, 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 of New Mexico, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.