Mat-Su Heath Foundation announces academic scholarship awardees

Wasilla, Alaska –The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) recently awarded 261 academic scholarships to local residents, more than twice as many as were awarded last year. The amount awarded for 2018 was $817,853, an increase of 12 percent over last year’s $721,400. An additional $182,147 in Vocational Scholarships is expected to be awarded by the foundation in 2018, bringing the total to $1,000,000 to support education and career opportunities for Mat-Su residents.

“This was a record year for the Mat-Su Health Foundation scholarship program, both in terms of number of applicants and number of awards,” said MSHF Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Ripley. “With 18 of the top 25 fastest-growing occupations in Alaska being in health care, we’re honored to help grow tomorrow’s workforce today. This ensures that the fast -growing Mat-Su population will continue to have access to the services it needs to stay healthy.”

The Mat-Su Health Foundation offers scholarships in two categories: academic scholarships for students pursuing college degrees with health or wellness majors, and vocational scholarships to assist students with the cost of training and certifications for jobs in health and wellness fields. Scholarships are awarded based on how well each applicant meets MSHF’s eligibility criteria, which includes financial need, demonstrated interest in health care, and selection of a career choice that matches the workforce needs of the Mat-Su. MSHF academic scholarships are awarded one time annually, while vocational scholarships are awarded throughout the year.

All 2018 Mat-Su Health Foundation academic scholarship recipients are listed below, starting with the five Mat-Su Scholars Awards, and followed by all students who received awards:

The Annie Deeming Scholarship for a current high school student: Antonio RundThe Vivian "Babe" Shaver Scholarship for a behavioral health major: Tamra HarrisoThe Ya Ne Dah Ah /K’tl’egh’i Sukdu Scholarship for a graduate-level applicant: Tessa TurnerThe Jessica Stevens Scholarship for a physician assistant major: Karen ClementThe Darlene Reed Scholarship for a nursing major: Kaitlin DalyThe George V. Larson Scholarship for a hospital administration major: Aaron Clements