Academic, vocational scholarships available

Area residents pursuing careers in a health and human services field can apply for an academic scholarship through the Mat-Su Health Foundation.

The application deadline for the popular scholarship program is March 5.

The goal of the Health Foundation’s scholarship program is to increase the health and human services workforce in the Mat-Su Valley by easing the financial strain of higher education for degree-seeking local students. Academic scholarships are awarded to students attending accredited colleges and universities. Scholarship applications are evaluated based on career choice and financial need, as demonstrated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To be eligible for a Health Foundation scholarship, students must qualify to apply for federal student aid and have lived in the borough for a minimum of one year at the time of application. There is no minimum GPA requirement, and students attending in- or out-of-state schools are eligible.

The Health Foundation Board of Directors recently relaxed eligibility requirements for the scholarships in an effort to expand access to postsecondary education opportunities for Mat-Su residents.

“This expansion reflects the board’s commitment to advancing our mission and removing barriers to education,” said Adelina Rodríguez, a scholarship program officer at the Health Foundation. “By aligning our eligibility criteria with federal student aid standards, we are able to reach students who have the talent and drive to succeed, but may face financial obstacles.”

In 2025, the Health Foundation’s academic scholarship program supported 489 Mat-Su students with $2.6 million in awarded scholarships. This year’s expanded eligibility is expected to increase the number of qualified applicants and further the program’s reach.

Vandana Ingle, the Health Foundation’s chief community impact officer, said the board of directors’ approval of scholarship eligibility expansion underscores the program’s importance and the organization’s strategic focus on long-term impact.

“Our board recognizes that access to higher and continuing education is a powerful driver of workforce development, economic mobility, and overall health,” Ingle said. “This decision to expand reflects thoughtful governance and our shared belief that increasing access to education ultimately strengthens our entire Mat-Su community.”

The amount awarded for academic scholarships varies based on many factors, including how many applicants there are each year. Last year, scholarship recipients received awards from $2,000 to $9,000.

A separate scholarship program exists for vocational training. This offers financial assistance to those pursuing non-degree certification and training.

The program covers fields such as medical/dental assistants and office personnel, addictions counseling, certified nurse assistant (CNA), mental health technicians, phlebotomists, radiology technicians, EMTs, and other certificate programs that do not result in a college degree but still fill a vital need in the health care community.

The application period for a vocational scholarship is always open, but applications must be received at least 60 days before the start of the training program being pursued. Vocational scholarship recipients can receive up to $5,000 toward the cost of their program.

Detailed instructions on how to apply in either program are available at the Mat-Su Health Foundation website, www.healthymatsu.org. There are also two upcoming information sessions that will be held at the Mat-Su Health Foundation on Feb. 5 and 19. Interested people can also find out more by calling 907-352-2863 or emailing scholarships@healthymatsu.org.

The Mat-Su Health Foundation has been awarding scholarships since 2008. In that time, a total of more than $19 million in academic, vocational, and professional development scholarships have been awarded to 542 organizations and 4,655 individuals.

The Health Foundation is part owner of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. The scholarship programs are part of the Foundation’s commitment to investing its share of hospital profits into community health and wellness, which includes grants to area nonprofit organizations. Since 2008, that investment has totaled more than $160 million.