In a collaborative effort to create a scholarship program that invests in the local community, Graham Health System has donated $500,000 to launch a new scholarship program that could guarantee employment to its recipients upon the completion of their studies at Spoon River College.
Beginning in the Spring 2022 semester, the Graham Health System Scholarship for the Advancement of Rural Healthcare, administered by the SRC Foundation, will be available to students who plan to pursue certain areas of study at SRC. In exchange for a scholarship that may cover the entire cost of tuition, fees, books, materials, and potentially other expenses, the recipient will agree to work for Graham Health System for a period of time after graduation.
“It is part of our mission to support the community, and this partnership allows us to do so. We are proud to support SRC and future healthcare professionals. One of the keys to our long-term success as a thriving independent health system has been our ability to retain and recruit great employees and providers. This scholarship allows us to assist aspiring healthcare professionals at a time when a student’s finances should never be a barrier to their dreams,” said Bob Senneff, President and CEO of Graham Health System.
Eligible programs of study at SRC include, but are not necessarily limited to: Nursing, Health Information Management, Computer Information Systems, Emergency Medical Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Industrial Maintenance, and all related degree/certificate programs.
“Graham Health System is one of the largest employers in the SRC District and a major employer of SRC alumni,” said Curt Oldfield, President of SRC. “While student success is always the primary goal at SRC, developing avenues for community partnerships and meeting the needs of local employers is one of SRC’s most important goals. Graham’s vision and support is a win-win for Graham, for SRC students, and for the community. We look forward to many years of this partnership and other, future collaborations with Graham.”
In addition to supporting future employment needs at Graham, this new scholarship program helps to alleviate financial need among a portion of SRC’s student body where the need is often significant.
“In our effort to help to provide excellent educational opportunities at SRC, one issue the SRC Foundation has been trying to address is the need for scholarship funding among programs that may not qualify for traditional financial aid such as Pell Grants,” said Colin Davis, Executive Director of the SRC Foundation. “Despite an SRC education being a relative bargain, the upfront cost to pursue a degree or certification can be a significant barrier. Graham’s foresight and generosity will help to break down these barriers for a number of individuals in our community, and we’re so grateful to Bob Senneff, Holly Henline, and the Graham Hospital Board of Trustees – with a special nod to Kevin Meade, who serves as a Trustee for both Graham and SRC – for this opportunity.”
Applications will become available on or around September 15 and be available on a rolling basis. Current and future SRC students will be eligible. More information on the scholarship, including how to apply, will be forthcoming at www.src.edu/grahamscholarship.
To learn more about SRC, the SRC Foundation, and Graham Health System, please visit www.src.edu, www.src.edu/foundation, and www.grahamhealthsystem.org/.
