The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) announced today an expansion of eligibility requirements for its scholarship programs, a mission-critical investment designed to strengthen educational access for Mat-Su residents across the borough. The expansion, approved last month by the MSHF Board of Directors, relaxes scholarship eligibility guidelines, significantly increasing access to postsecondary education for formerly ineligible applicants.
“This expansion reflects the MSHF Board’s commitment to advancing our mission and removing barriers to education,” said Adelina Rodríguez, MSHF Scholarship Program Officer. “By aligning our eligibility criteria with federal student aid standards, we are able to reach students who have the talent and drive to succeed but may face financial obstacles.”
The scholarship program, including academic, vocational, and professional development scholarships, is a cornerstone of MSHF’s work, demonstrating sustained organizational commitment and prudent stewardship. The Board of Directors’ approval of this eligibility expansion underscores the program’s importance and the organization’s strategic focus on long-term impact.
“Our board recognizes that access to higher and continuing education is a powerful driver of workforce development, economic mobility, and overall health,” shared Vandana Ingle, MSHF Chief Community Impact Officer. “This decision reflects thoughtful governance and our shared belief that increasing access to education ultimately strengthens our entire Mat-Su community.”
MSHF Academic Scholarships provide funding specifically for undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in the healthcare and human services fields. Career fields include nursing, early childhood or special education, behavioral health, allied health, medical assisting, sonography, radiologic technology, and more. Students attending in- or out-of-state schools are eligible if they have been a Mat-Su resident for at least a year. In 2025, the MSHF Academic Scholarship program supported 489 Mat-Su students with $2.6 million in awarded scholarships. The expanded eligibility is expected to increase the number of qualified applicants and further the program’s reach.
Applications for the 2026 MSHF Academic Scholarships are now open through March 5, 2026. Information sessions will be held at the Mat-Su Health Foundation on January 8, January 22, February 5, and February 19. Details, complete eligibility requirements and the online application are available at www.healthymatsu.org. For additional assistance, call (907) 352-2863 or email scholarships@www.healthymatsu.org.
Article reposted with permission from 
Elise is attending the University of Alaska Anchorage to complete a Bachelor of Science in dietetics with plans to graduate in 2023. She plans to continue her education and pursue either a Master of Science in dietetics and nutrition or Master of Public of Health program to be able to take the Registered Dietitian Examination. Elise says that while location was a factor in choosing her current program, the instructors are so dedicated to their students and are encouraging resources that make her excited to enter this field that she feels deserves more recognition. Of her post-grad plans, Elise says, “I have many ideas, but I hope to start my career in community nutrition where people see the most disparities and need the most help as access to nutrition can be a key preventative measure towards good health. I have plans to pursue other educational opportunities to be Board Certified in Obesity and Weight Management and Pediatric Nutrition and I’m researching new certifications in Culinary Medicine.”
Whitney is in the BSN program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She says, “I knew I wanted to do nursing, but I thought I’d be selling myself short if I didn’t go for the full four years. I knew I had the personality traits that lined up with being a BSN, potentially in a managing position in the future.” After graduating, Whitney wants to work in an emergency room or med-surg in the Mat-Su to get emergency medical care experience, but her ultimate goal is to work at a birthing center. She says, “I would love to be a part of natural child birthing.”
Tiffany is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She says, “I want to have the opportunity of positivily impacting people’s lives and being able to provide resources to allow them to work through tough family illnesses and tragic accidents. More importantly, I thoroughly enjoy working with people of all backgrounds and cultures.” After graduating, Tiffany wants to work as an RN and continue her education to become a CRNA or flight nurse, and give back to Alaskans by serving rural villages or areas where nursing is in high demand.