Apply now for Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarships

WASILLA — Mat-Su Borough residents interested in pursuing health-related careers are encouraged to apply for this year’s Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarships. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m., March 18. Applications are accepted online at healthymatsu.org.

The goal of scholarship program aims to help build the health care workforce of the future and an engaged citizenship with a higher capacity to address the health-related challenges impacting Mat-Su and Alaska.

Though the number of scholarships and the amount awarded varies annually, it is expected that $250,000 will be awarded in this round of scholarships.

MSHF Scholarship eligibility requirements include the following:

• United States citizenship

• Mat-Su Borough residency for minimum of one year (current to application)

• Eligible for an Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend

• Minimum half-time student status at accredited college, university, or medical training program

• Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for returning awardees only; no minimum GPA for first time applicants; [Note: a GPA criterion only applies to an applicant who has received a scholarship in the past from MSHF. Until the applicant wins an award, the no GPA standard will be used.]

• Successful completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid available at fafsa.ed.gov

• Demonstrated interest in the health care field through an essay 250 words or less in the MSHF Scholarship Application

• Selection of a health care career choice that matches the health care workforce needs of providers in the Mat-Su Borough

• Attestation of tobacco and illicit drug free status and commitment to healthy living.