MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE; PROGRAM EXPANDED TO INCLUDE VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Wasilla, AK—Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is seeking applications from Mat-Su residents interested in scholarships to pursue health-related careers. The 2014 application period continues through 4 pm on Friday, March 28, 2014 for academic scholarships. Applications for vocational scholarship will be accepted year-round.

MSHF’s scholarship program makes investments in the education of local residents to help build the healthcare workforce of the future. In years past scholarships were offered to students who were completing a degree program emphasizing health or wellness. For 2014 the program has been expanded to include health- and wellness-related vocational scholarships as well.

“We broadened the scope of our scholarship program to help local residents pursue a greater range of health occupations for which there is critical need for skilled workers in the Mat-Su,” said MSHF Executive Director Elizabeth Ripley. “Our board of directors recognized that while helping local degree-seeking students is important, so is assisting individuals seeking health-related vocational training and certifications.”

The new vocational scholarships are designed to assist students with the cost of training in, or certifications for, jobs in a health and/or social/human services field. Examples of training that may be considered for the new vocational scholarships includes, but is not limited to, medical office professions, such as insurance coding and billing; medical assistant; addictions counseling; certified nurse assistant (CNA) certification; phlebotomy technician; and paramedic training.

Academic scholarships will continue to be available to help defray the cost of higher education in degree programs that emphasize health or wellness.

The number of scholarships given each year and the amount of each award varies. In 2013, 67 scholarships totaling $250,000 were awarded to Mat-Su residents.

Complete eligibility requirements and the online application are available at www.healthymatsu.org.

About Mat-Su Health Foundation: Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, the MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital and protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution through board oversight. The MSHF invests its assets into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org.