Health Care Scholarships Now Available
Columbus Community Hospital is now accepting scholarship applications from area students and individuals who want to pursue careers in health care.
The Columbus Community Hospital Foundation and several donors established scholarships for applicants who want to serve the community's health care needs. Cori Fullner, executive director of the CCH Foundation, said she is thankful these opportunities are available to area youth.
“I am very grateful to our generous donors,” Fullner said. “The impact of receiving scholarship funds can make a world of difference to these college students.”
Melinda Allen, employment & education coordinator at CCH, said the health care scholarships available are a wonderful way to support the community’s workforce.
“The scholarships offered through the CCH Foundation are a way that we can invest in our future workforce,” Allen said. “Through the support of these thoughtful donors, we can see these students thrive and achieve their educational goals. We encourage students of any age to consider applying for this opportunity. It is a privilege to support them in this way.”
All scholarship applicants must be accepted to — or currently enrolled in — an accredited program of a recognized health care school. They must also be residents of — or attending school in — the Columbus area, and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
Students can find and complete the application on hospital's website. Candidates will need to provide information about their education, work and volunteer experience. They must also send a transcript, proof of their acceptance into an accredited health care program, a brief essay about their health care career goals and their availability to work at the hospital as their school workloads permit.
Applicants can send completed forms to Allen at mjallen@columbushosp.org, or Columbus Community Hospital, Attn: Melinda J. Allen, P.O. Box 1800, Columbus, NE 68602, by Friday, March 29.
Below is a list of the available scholarships:
CCH Foundation scholarship – The CCH Foundation established this scholarship in 2017. It awards $500 to a qualified student furthering their education in any health care field. The selection committee will give preference to a CCH employee or the child or grandchild of an employee.
High school student scholarship – The CCH high school student scholarship was established in 2008 to support the development of area youth. It awards $300 to a qualified high school student taking a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or other entry-level health care course.
Dallmont J. and Bernadine Erickson memorial scholarship fund – The daughter of Dallmont J. and Bernadine Erickson established this scholarship in 2014. It awards $500 to a student in educational training in any area of nursing. The selection committee will give preference to a CCH employee or the child or grandchild of an employee.
The William and Barbara Gerhold scholarship – Longtime Columbus residents Barbara and William Gerhold established this scholarship in 2006. It awards $500 to a qualified student to help foster educational achievement and service excellence. The selection committee will give preference to CCH employees and children of employees who are pursuing careers in the nursing field.
The George Prochaska scholarship – The family of the late George Prochaska established this scholarship in 2006 to recognize educational achievement. It awards two $500 scholarships to recognize CCH employees or their children who are studying in a field designed to enhance the mission of CCH.
Eagles scholarship – The Fraternal Order of Eagles #1834 Aerie & Auxiliary established this scholarship in 2006 to recognize academic achievement. It awards $1,000 to a CCH employee currently enrolled in a health care educational course. The selection committee will give preference to employees of the CCH radiology department.
HDR scholarship – Dennis Hirschbrunner established the HDR scholarship in 2003 to help students at Central Community College – Columbus Campus. It awards $500 to a student pursuing a career in health care. The selection committee will give preference to a student who plans to attend Central Community College – Columbus Campus.
Charles and Myrna Meyer memorial scholarship endowment – The children of Charles and Myrna Meyer established this scholarship in 2019. It awards $500 to a student enrolled in any medical education training. The selection committee will give preference to those demonstrating financial hardship.
Deb Kessler memorial scholarship – The Deb Kessler memorial scholarship was established in 2019 by DebKessler’s family to honor her memory. Deb worked at CCH for 35 years. It awards $500 to a student pursuing a career in nursing. The selection committee will give preference to an employee or the child of any employee at CCH.
Joe Barbaglia memorial scholarship – The Joe Barbaglia scholarship was established in 2023 to recognize educational achievement. It awards $500 scholarships to two qualified students furthering their education in the area of health care finance, information technology or material management. The selection committee will give preference to an employee or the child or grandchild of an employee at CCH.
Robert and Verdella Emerson scholarship endowment fund – Robert and Verdella Emerson established this scholarship in 2019. It awards $500 to one or two students enrolled in medical educational training. The selection committee will give preference to those demonstrating financial hardship.
Richard and Judy Temme scholarship – The foundation established the Richard and Judy Temme scholarship in 2021. It awards $500 to a student furthering their education in any health care field.
For more information about the scholarships, visit columbushosp.org or contact Allen at 402-562-3363.