Optum Idaho Awards New Endowment to Support Emergency Scholarship Program at College of Southern Idaho
Release Date: Thursday 2024-03-21
Twin Falls, ID, - Optum Idaho recently approved the College of Southern Idaho Foundation to receive $10,000 to establish the Optum Idaho Endowment in support of the Emergency Scholarship program at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI). Optum Idaho manages outpatient behavioral health benefits for Idaho Medicaid members and provides free resources to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma for all Idahoans. This initiative aims to provide crucial assistance to students facing unforeseen financial hardship, ensuring they have the necessary resources to continue their education.
The Emergency Scholarship program, pioneered by the CSI Foundation, has been a vital support for students encountering unexpected financial challenges. With the establishment of the Optum Idaho Endowment, the program will receive sustainable funding, allowing it to expand its reach and impact over time.
Karrie Van Noy, Assistant Director of the CSI Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the generous support from Optum Idaho, stating, "The creation of the Optum Idaho Endowment institutionalizes our Emergency Scholarship program, which up to this point, has relied on unrestricted donations. This endowment not only ensures the continuity of the program but also signifies a long-term commitment to our students' success."
The Optum Idaho Endowment for the Emergency Scholarship program reflects the company's dedication to transforming Idaho’s health system. By fostering education and supporting Idaho communities, Optum Idaho aims to empower individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
“Many non-medical factors can influence physical and behavioral health outcomes, such as educational attainment and economic mobility,” said Optum Idaho Executive Director Georganne Benjamin. “By partnering with CSI to support the Emergency Scholarship program, we are helping our local communities become stronger and healthier by supporting students through temporary emergencies so they can focus on the larger goal of graduating and fulfilling the workforce needs of a growing state.”
The endowment is an open fund, meaning anyone can contribute to the endowment. The goal is to build the fund overtime, enhancing the ability to support CSI students in perpetuity.
For more information about Optum Idaho and its community initiatives, please visit optumidaho.com.
About Optum Idaho: Optum Idaho manages outpatient behavioral health benefits for Idaho Medicaid members and provides free resources to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma for all Idahoans.
About College of Southern Idaho Foundation: The College of Southern Idaho Foundation provides increased awareness and financial support to CSI to educate, offer lifelong learning, and strengthen community partnerships.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact CSI Foundation Assistant Director, Karrie Van Noy at 208-732-6249 or kvannoy@csi.edu, or Optum Idaho Communications Director Chris Smith at 208-761-3699 or chrissmith@optum.com.