CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Announces Landmark $6.2M Investment in Coppin State University to Expand Healthcare Workforce and Equity Initiatives
The largest gift in university history supports healthcare access, education and community impact throughout Maryland
Baltimore — CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), one of the country’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, announced a $6.225 million investment in Coppin State University (Coppin State), marking the largest philanthropic gift in the university’s history.
The investment will support Coppin State’s efforts to enhance access to quality care, train the next generation of healthcare leaders and create a statewide coalition linking Maryland’s colleges and health systems to clear pathways for students entering health professions.
As a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Coppin State is rooted in a mission to prepare students for leadership, service and social impact—particularly in urban communities. The university plays a critical role in advancing equity through education, workforce development and community health.
“HBCUs receive 178 times less funding than Ivy League institutions, despite being engines of growth and innovation for communities of color,” said Brian D. Pieninck, president and CEO of CareFirst. “Our partnership with Coppin State responds to a critical need for a well-trained pool of healthcare professionals and greater access to quality care while strengthening a hub for transformative solutions. This investment is about more than expanding services—it's about shifting the trajectory of our communities by improving opportunity and access.”
This impactful investment builds on the longstanding partnership between CareFirst and Coppin State, underscoring their shared commitment to improving community well-being through accessible, affordable healthcare and education.
The funding will support three core initiatives:
- Enhancing the accessibility of quality healthcare through the renovation and expansion of services at Coppin State’s health center, enabling it to serve more residents with a broader range of primary and behavioral health services.
- Advancing a healthcare workforce through a CareFirst scholarship program, which will train future healthcare professionals at the health center to support the health and economic prosperity of Maryland communities.
- Establishing a statewide coalition of Maryland higher education institutions and healthcare partners to share resources and streamline the pipeline from two to four-year degree programs.
Coppin State has long played a critical role in community health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when its health center provided care while other healthcare facilities were unavailable. The university remains a trusted institution in West Baltimore, a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area, where residents face persistent gaps in primary, dental and mental healthcare.
“This partnership is something special and an investment that will have a lasting impact on our students and the west side of Baltimore,” said Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins, president of Coppin State. “CareFirst’s partnership affirms what we already know to be true—Baltimore’s future is bright when we invest in our own. Together, we are creating jobs, improving health and expanding opportunity for future generations.”
This investment expands the two organizations’ existing work to bring sustainable jobs, livable wages and education to the community. Coppin State played an essential role in creating CareFirst’s West Baltimore Workforce Development Program, which is now on its fourth and fifth cohorts. The program equips West Baltimore residents with the skills and support to build sustainable careers.
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
In its 87th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit healthcare company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.5 million individuals and employers in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2024, CareFirst infused over $403 million to support regional community impact to improve overall health and advance accessible, affordable, equitable, high-quality healthcare. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit www.carefirst.com.
About Coppin State University
Coppin State University, a Historically Black University (HBCU) founded in 1900, in Baltimore, Maryland, serves a multicultural and multigenerational student population. Coppin State provides educational and experiential learning opportunities that foster leadership, social responsibility, civic and community engagement, cultural diversity, inclusivity, and economic development. Learn more at www.coppin.edu.
Coppin State Media Relations:
CherRae Dickerson
410-951-6548
Cdickerson@coppin.edu