RHF to offer new non-traditional scholarships

On its mission to build healthy communities through programs and services designed to enhance overall health and wellness, the Regional Healthcare Foundation in Dexter has expanded their scholarship options for students interested in pursuing advanced education in the health field.

A new scholarship, available for the non-traditional student, offers a one-year $2500 grant to residents of Stoddard County or graduates of a Stoddard County high school to four individuals annually. Up to four $2500 scholarships of this type will be awarded annually. The recipient must be pursuing an education in the healthcare field.

"The scholarship is available for students who are 25 years old or older and have had their education interrupted for five years or more," explains RHF Director Diane Mitchell, "and will be presented on a financial need basis."

Aspects that will be considered in selection of four annual recipients of the Non-Traditional Student Scholarship will include the annual household income, child care expense, if any, and an examination of all other household and personal expenses.

Applications for the Non-Traditional Student Scholarship are available at the Regional Healthcare Foundation's office at 215 W. Grant St. They must be postmarked for consideration by May 15, 2010.

The Foundation continues to offer an annual $10,000 scholarship to a county high school graduate who intends to pursue a college degree in a health-related field. Applications for this scholarship are available in all county school offices and are due by March 19, 2010. The recipient of the award will receive notification by April 22, 2010.

The Julie Minton Memorial Scholarship, implemented in 2009, will also continue to be available through the Foundation. To earn the Minton Scholarship, an applicant must only have been accepted into a physical therapy program within the state of Missouri. The applicant must be from Stoddard County and must have graduated from a high school within the county to qualify. There is no limit on the number of scholarships that will be awarded in the name of Julie Minton, a Dexter woman who spent her career at Missouri Southern Healthcare serving as a physical therapist.

Anyone interested in applying for any of the scholarships offered through the Regional Healthcare Foundation is urged to call the RHF office at 573-624-1607.