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Financial Assistance
Intent
The intent of the Simkin School financial assistance program is to increase the number of childbirth professionals with the desire, intention, skills and community involvement to practice successfully in underserved racial, cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic communities.Assistance Available
The Simkin School has two forms of financial assistance available for eligible applicants (see below for other assistance in the community):
- partial tuition waiver (a reduction in tuition)
- work exchange (the opportunity to work as a class assistant in exchange for a reduction in tuition)
Criteria
First consideration will be given to applicants who intend to offer services in underserved communities and who display the skills and connections needed to serve women in these communities. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their connection with social services or other networks within the community. Applicants’ financial need may also be considered.Procedure for Applying
If you feel you meet the above criteria, please submit the following materials by the course payment deadline:
- the application form and two letters of reference (the letters should refer specifically to the criteria above)
- a course registration form (or you can register online or by phone) and a $100 non-refundable deposit towards tuition (the deposit is optional)
All application materials must be received at SMS by the course payment deadline. Applicants will be notified two weeks in advance of the course start date regarding an award.
Other Community Resources for Assistance
The Penny Simkin Scholarship Fund provides partial tuition assistance for applicants intending to practice in Washington State. Priority is given to applicants who want to become certified doulas. However, consideration will be given to those seeking childbirth and lactation education training. Write to the Simkin School Director for more information.For those taking the Labor Support Course, the University of Washington Medical Center Doula Care Project offers partial scholarships for volunteers who commit to 96 volunteer hours with this program. All scholarship applicants must interview with and be approved by the UWMC Program Coordinator before submitting the SMS financial assistance application.