Health Foundation Awards Scholarships

January 13, 2012

Twenty-five MetroWest residents will share more than $40,000 in scholarships to pursue health careers. The awards were provided by the MetroWest Health Foundation as part of its efforts to develop to the healthcare workforce.

Twenty of the scholarships went to students who are studying to become nurses or are advancing their degree in nursing and another five were awarded to residents pursuing medical and clinical degrees. The Foundation awarded five scholarships to students who have been past recipients.

Cynthia Bechtel, coordinator of the Masters in Nursing Program at Framingham State University who serves on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and is chairwoman of the Scholarship Committee, said she was pleased with the caliber of students who applied for scholarships.

“What has happened, through the phenomenal work that the Foundation did, we completely revised the process,” said Bechtel, adding that it has led to improved application essays.

Twice a year the Foundation awards scholarships to students who are enrolled in nursing, medicine, social work and a host of other health degree programs. Since 2001, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in tuition assistance.

Scholarships are awarded to individuals who are pursuing degree or certificate programs in the health care industry. In order to apply, students must live in one of the 25 towns the Foundation serves and must be accepted into an eligible nursing, medical or clinical program at an accredited institution.

Applicants are chosen based on their personal essay, grade point average (if applicable), letters of recommendation and financial need. Scholarship recipients receive up to $2,000 per academic year to apply toward tuition with a maximum of $8,000 awarded to an individual. Applicants must reapply on an annual basis.