2 minute read
Funding the Future
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott
Nursing and Radiology Scholarships at Yavapai College.
In 2012, Yavapai College announced the creation of the largest scholarship program in its history. The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott (JCF) set up and funded the Jewish Foundation Healthcare Scholarships for students in nursing and radiologic technology programs at the college. The scholarship attracted other community funding organizations over time.
The Community Healthcare Scholarship is designed to address two regional healthcare needs: the expected shortage of healthcare professionals in the coming years, and the challenges of effectively competing with urban areas for these highly valued healthcare professionals. The scholarship is an effort to identify, support, and train students who are committed to pursuing a healthcare career in our local community.
“The program simultaneously supports education and healthcare, while ensuring a ‘pipeline’ of vital healthcare professionals for the local medical community,” said JCF president David Hess, M.D. With a 93.8% graduation rate of scholarship recipients, JFC is thrilled that approximately 97% of those who complete their training choose to remain in the area.
Paul Kirchgraber, Director of Development at Yavapai College Foundation, shares that excitement. “The College is overwhelmed with the enthusiasm our community has shown in supporting these aspiring healthcare professionals,” said Kirchgraber. “The generosity of these respected organizations is truly amazing, and the provided scholarships relieve the financial burden for students, allowing them to concentrate on their studies.”
Originally slated to last five years, the program was so successful that it has been extended. As of 2020, over one hundred scholarships have been awarded and the program is still going strong. JFC and Yavapai College report ten scholarship recipients will graduate Spring 2021 and another five will finish Fall 2021.
- Margaret J. Wheatly
Now in its third phase, the Community Healthcare Scholarship Program has attracted additional funding partners including the Harold James Family Trust, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott, Margaret T. Morris Foundation, Prescott Radiologists, LLP, Yavapai College Foundation, Yavapai Regional Medical Center and the newest partner, the Fain Signature Group through its latest project Homestead Luxury Apartments.
Combined, these generous organizations will fund over $1 million dollars in healthcare scholarships during this phase.
Approximately 18 students (16 nurses and two radiology techs) annually will receive a full scholarship, with close to 200 scholarships awarded over the course of the program. The first class entered the program in Fall 2020 and the last class is scheduled to graduate Spring 2025.
Financial need is the primary determinant in obtaining an award, with recipients making a good faith pledge to remain in the greater Prescott area to work in their healthcare field of experience.
