River Hospital is now accepting applications for its Miracle on the River Scholarship Program, with submissions open through May 15 for graduating seniors interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.
The long running program supports local students entering healthcare professions at a time when communities across the country are facing significant shortages of nurses, technicians, and other medical professionals.
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Miracle on the River program has awarded more than 100 scholarships to students from area high schools who plan to pursue careers in healthcare.
“Healthcare workforce shortages are a national challenge, and rural communities feel that impact in a very real way,” said Stephanie Weiss, Executive Director of Development and Marketing at River Hospital. “This program is one way we can encourage talented local students who are interested in healthcare and help support them as they begin that journey.”
Each year the program invites graduating seniors from five local high schools to apply for scholarships if they plan to enter fields such as nursing, radiologic technology, laboratory science, and other healthcare professions. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average, demonstrate financial need, and be accepted into an accredited healthcare program. Participating school districts include: Hammond, Alexandria, Thousand Islands, LaFargeville and Indian River.
This year River Hospital will award five scholarships of $1,000 each, along with a $2,000 scholarship supported by the River Hospital Medical Staff. The medical staff began supporting the program five years ago, contributing $2,000 annually to strengthen the scholarships and help encourage the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“Our medical staff is proud to support students who are choosing careers in healthcare,” said Brad Frey, President of the River Hospital Medical Staff. “Programs like this help invest in the future of our profession and in the health of our community.”
Students apply through their high school guidance offices, where counselors collect applications and submit them to the scholarship committee. Recipients are typically announced during school award ceremonies prior to graduation.
“For many of these students, this scholarship is an early vote of confidence in the path they are choosing,” Weiss said. “We hope it encourages them to pursue their goals and reminds them that their community believes in them.”
Applications are available through participating high school guidance offices and must be submitted by May 15. Questions about the program can also be directed to Chelsea Campbell, River Hospital’s Development Coordinator, 315-482-4976.