The Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship Applications Open The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation has announced the 2022 Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship application deadline for students in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties who plan to pursue or who are pursuing nursing, and who will practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Interested nursing students or current nurses looking to advance their careers may apply online from February 1, 2022 through April 15th 2022 at CareersinCareNEPA.org. To qualify for a Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship, individuals must show they have had a permanent address in Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming County for the last three years. Applicants may be new or continuing students interested in pursuing, or currently pursuing, nursing; traditional or non-traditional students pursuing qualification at any level of the nursing profession, including CNA, LPN, RN to BSN, BS (3rd and 4th year only), Master’s Degree/Nurse Educator; or non-traditional students looking to return to work or seeking a change in employment. “Nursing provides the greatest honor in life – to be able to care for patients in their most vulnerable state and assist them when they need it the most. This scholarship is enabling me to enhance my skills from being a Licensed Practical Nurse to earning my Bachelors in Science degree in Nursing,” remarked Nicole Lubash, 2021 scholarship winner, mother of two young boys, and a Junior at Marywood University. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation’s Careers in Care initiative is a$1.7 million commitment over a three-year period (2020-2023) focused on developing the regional pipeline of the healthcare workforce. Established through the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the nursing scholarship program aims to support the growth and development of the nurses at all levels in NEPA. “We’re delighted that 19 previous scholarship winners are already pursuing nursing careers with awards from the Careers in Care nursing scholarship program. We are prepared to assist many additional nursing school applicants with scholarships during this enrollment period,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
FNCB Bank Donates Scholarship Funds to Saint Dominic’s Academy FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $7,500 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Saint Dominic’s Academy in Honesdale. The donation will help provide tuition assistance to families of currently enrolled children, and those enrolling at Saint Dominic’s Academy. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed just under $2,500,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. The support of Saint Dominic’s Academy is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
Johnson College Awarded Scholarship by Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club The Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. awarded $1,000 scholarship to be given to a Johnson College Automotive Technology student. Front row, left to right: Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement; Villa Capri President Joe Carra; Dr. Katie Leonard, Johnson College President & CEO; Mike Macedonia. Back row, left to right: Dave Thomas, Patty Valvano, Frank Valvano, Nick Tielli, Mike Greenstein, and Charlie Leavesley. The Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be given to a Johnson College Automotive Technology student. This year marks the 11th year for the scholarship by the club, which raises funds through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships, and annual calendar sales. Johnson College’s two-year Automotive Technology associates degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians in the automobile and diesel industries. Graduates can work for employers in the automotive career fields of automotive, truck, farm, and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation, and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair/machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales representation; and auto insurance companies.
NEPA Health Care Foundation, Administered by SACF, Announces Careers in Care Nursing Scholarships In response to the acute shortage of nurses across the region and its effect on the health and wellness of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, announces it has awarded $189,622 in its first year towards nursing scholarships for local students as part of its Careers in Care initiative. The Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship Program has awarded 21 scholarships to students in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties who plan to pursue or who are pursuing nursing and who will practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. These scholarship opportunities come during a time where the strains on the healthcare workforce in Northeastern Pennsylvania have been significant. In response to the significant interest and need in the region, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation has decided to double the amount available for scholarships in 2022 to $400,000.The Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship Program accepted applications earlier this year and, through a rigorous and competitive application process, identified a variety of qualified nursing students. Recipients include Brooke Bird, Luzerne County Community College; Sarah Bonser, Walden University; Jacqueline Cicardo, Luzerne County Community College; Michael Clark, Penn State Scranton; Caity Colan, Luzerne County Community College; Jason Conrad, Luzerne County Community College; Jacqueline Earley, Lackawanna College; Austin Emenyonu, Misericordia University; Elizabeth Hernandez, Luzerne County Community College; Casey Hughes, Luzerne County Community College; Holly Hughes, Marywood University; Nicole Lubash, Marywood University; Brittany Marcinkevich, Lackawanna College; Mary McFadden, Penn State Scranton; Tiffany Megotz, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County; Anne Murdoch, Penn State Scranton; Samantha Rosselli, Lackawanna College; Laura Slivinski, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County; Rosa Vazquez Nunez, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County; Ariana Velez, Wilkes University; and Sabrina Weidlich, Luzerne County Community College. “Over the past year, we have seen just how timely the Careers in Care initiative really is,” said James Clemente, NEPA Health Care Foundation Board Chair. “The Foundation’s Board understands the strains that the regional healthcare workforce is facing and strives to make an impact to address these critical issues through these important scholarships.” “I think the fact that the Board of the Northeastern PA Health Care Foundation has decided to double the amount of scholarship support available for nurses in year two speaks to the great need and interest in the program,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. She adds, “I think the Foundation board was very innovative in their planning of these scholarships which are made available to nursing students from CNAs through nurse educators at the graduate level.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers the NEPA Health Care Foundation. To qualify for a Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship, individuals were required to show they have had a permanent address in Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming County for the last three years. Scholarships were available to those interested in obtaining a CNA and entering the healthcare workforce. Scholarships are also for anyone employed in the healthcare field in either Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming County and looking to advance as an LPN or RN/BSN. Additionally, students were invited to apply if they were in their third or fourth year of a four-year nursing degree and looking for financial assistance. Scholarship recipients were also asked to demonstrate a commitment to stay in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation also invited ‘nontraditional’ students or those looking to go back to school to obtain a nursing degree to apply for a Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship. Additionally, through Careers in Care, the NEPA Health Care Foundation will provide grant support totaling $830,000, to a variety of organizations including Lackawanna College, for its three-year plan to enhance the pipeline of local healthcare professionals and increase the number trained and retained in the region; United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA for its Upward Economic Mobility Program; and Saint Joseph’s Center for direct support professional wage increases. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation’s Careers in Care initiative is a $1.7 million commitment over a three-year period (2020-2023). In addition to the Careers in Care initiative, the NEPA Health Care Foundation is also in the seventh year of a $3.2 million commitment to the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) for scholarship support for incoming first-year medical students from Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming counties. The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars program covers full tuition for these scholars, who indicate a commitment to practice medicine in Northeastern PA.
HRF Scholarship Recipients Announced The Human Resources Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the HRF Scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year. The Human Resources Foundation serves the community by providing financial assistance to efforts that focus on enriching service and support of individuals with disabilities. One way that HRF accomplishes this mission is by offering scholarships to students pursuing higher education in Human Services or a related field. The four 2021 HRF Scholarship awardees are: Brynn McGinnis from Honesdale High School. Brynn intends to pursue a major in Education to become an elementary teacher. Lauren Brand from Wallenpaupack Area High School. Lauren will be attending Ithaca College on a Speech Language Pathology track. Brianna Garcia from Wallenpaupack Area High School. Brianna plans to major in Speech Pathology and minor in Special Education at Temple University. DeJanna Richardson from Stroudsburg High School. DeJanna will be attending University of Scranton with a major of Counseling and Human Services. The Human Resources Foundation congratulates the 2021 HRF Scholarship recipients and is proud to support their efforts in furthering their education and improving the lives of others. To learn more about the Human Resources Foundation and the scholarship program, visit our website www.hrfnepa.org.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces 2021 Scholarship Recipients The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce its 2021 scholarship recipients, benefitting 168 local students from various schools in the area from scholarship funds administered by the Foundation. A total of $474,440 was recently distributed through 63 scholarships, including the #GaryInspiredMe Scholarship, the Matt McGloin Scholarship, the Neal J. Fasula Scholarship, and the highly-competitive James F. Swift scholarship. The complete listing of all 2021 scholarship recipients is detailed below. Scholarship recipients are selected annually by various scholarship committees at the Foundation. “We are grateful to the generous donors who make these scholarships possible to benefit so many students from across the region,” stated Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO, Laura Ducceschi. “The Foundation proudly manages over 50 individual scholarship funds established by charitable donors who want to support outstanding students and make higher education more attainable for so many in our communities.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a partner with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in their Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Program to offer qualifying students additional financial aid. Through PHEAA, many scholarship recipients may be eligible for additional dollars toward their tuition.For more information on any of the scholarships at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, please contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203. To establish a scholarship fund in honor of or memory of a loved one or to include a scholarship as a legacy gift in your estate plans, please contact the Scranton Area Community Foundation today or visit safdn.org to learn more. 2021 Scholarship Recipients #GaryInspiredMe Scholarship Natalie Deal (North Pocono)Shiloh Miller (Northwest Area) American Legion A. Pierson Hurd Academic ScholarshipMargaret Domski (Valley View) Angelina Fricchione and Michael Cupple ScholarshipSydney Dana (Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine) Ann Wall ScholarshipNathan Dill (Lackawanna Trail) Anthracite ScholarshipTaylor Bartle (Greater Nanticoke)Joseph Fasula (Scranton Prep)Joseph Ferrara (Wallenpaupak)Hunter Geise (Riverside)John Gilchrist (Riverside)Lindsay Grzyboski (Riverside)Zack Kovalchik (Valley View)Shiloh Miller (Northwest Area)Isabelle Ritz (Hazleton)Matthew Williams (Holy Redeemer) Ashley and Erin Williams Memorial ScholarshipDestiny Anello (North Pocono) Blakely Borough ScholarshipEmma Burak (Valley View) Caroline Ace, LPN/Angela Muchal, LPN ScholarshipMorgan Veina (Career Technology Center) Catherine A. Alu Memorial ScholarshipPaige Martin (Dunmore) Chris Moran ScholarshipChase Poplawski (Mountain View)Michael Rodyushkin (Abington Heights) Chris Till Sender Scholarship Christine Townsend (Scranton) Cinderella’s Closet Scholarship Jillian Brennan (Holy Cross) Constance M. and Joseph A. Brocavich Memorial ScholarshipTravis Bridgeman (Scranton Prep)Samuel Grizzanti (Scranton Prep)Grace Ann Kapacs (Scranton Prep) Danielle Faramelli ScholarshipOlivia Kaschak (Valley View) David Gallagher Memorial ScholarshipKayla Przekop (Abington Heights) Dr. Bernard Shair Memorial ScholarshipPeter Heckman (University of Scranton) Dr. E.C. LaCoe ScholarshipKristin Lipkus (Abington Heights)Tyler Petty (Abington Heights) Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial ScholarshipAllana Elizabeth Warner (Johnson College) Dulcey Degilio ScholarshipKristin Lipkus (Abington Heights) Edward C. Snyder Memorial ScholarshipJohn Barrera (Kings College) Greg Legg NEPA Diamond ScholarshipZack Kovalchik (Valley View) James F. Swift ScholarshipJillian Brennan (Holy Cross)Shannon Baransky (Marywood)Tanner Begin (Penn State University)Cameron Butka (West Scranton)Sofia Capozzi (Abington Heights)Calista Calabro (Penn State University)Ashley Capone (Marywood)Christina Carachilo (University of Scranton)Hannah Carr (University of Scranton)Ryan Coleman (Valley View)Andrew Cummings (Dickinson College)Ava Decker (West Scranton)James Docalovich (Lehigh University)Caitlin Doughton (University of Scranton)Collin Ennis (University of Scranton)Fione Evans (University of Scranton)Marguerite Flynn (Boston College)Hunter Geise (Riverside)Austin Glidewell (University of Scranton)Nicholas Guerra (University of Scranton)Marilyn Hoskins (Marywood University)Matthew Howard (Scranton Prep)Daniel Jaggars (University of Nebraska)Rebecca Johnson (University of Scranton)Tiffini Kalt (Marywood University)Meghan Keenan (Elizabethtown College)Benjamin Koshinski (University of Scranton)Tori Kovalchick (Penn State University)Korey Kruk (Scranton High School)Kristen Lello (Marywood University)Rebecca Lucas (University of the Sciences)Ximena Maldonado (University of Scranton)Olivia Manarchuck (University of Scranton)Hailey Matechak (Lakeland)Sara McCormack (Scranton)David McKenney (Lakeland)Mark Melesky (Penn State University)Brooke Mickavicz (Marywood University)Tyler Muskey (University of Scranton)Jenna O’Malley (University of Scranton)Gia Occhipinti (University of Pittsburgh)Marisol Olivares (North Pocono)Marley Palmere (Moravian College)Claudia Pitts (University of Scranton)Antonio Pugliese (Penn State University)Megan Purcell (Lehigh University)Meredith Purcell (Scranton Prep)Taralyn Reilly (Valley View)Michael Rodyushkin (Abington Heights)Julia Romanovich (University of Scranton)Kayla Rose (Riverside)Amanda Sakulich (Marywood University)Nina Sampogne (Penn State University)Gerardo Sanchez Garcia (University of Scranton)Kaitlyn Savage (Marywood University)Taylor Seprosky (Marywood University)Gwyneth Serowinski (Keystone College)Christian Snee (Mid Valley)Gabrielle Snee (Mid Valley)Natalie Sottile (University of Scranton)Eric Spivak (Marywood University)Elizabeth Stone (Marywood University)Christopher Talluto (Elizabethtown College)Alexis Tanana (Holy Cross)Benjamin Thompson (North Pocono)Makenna Thorpe (Saint Joseph’s University)Evan Tremback (Marywood University)Maura Turi (University of Scranton)Ryan Turlip (University of Pennsylvania)Alexandra Valvano (Villanova University)Anna Van Wert (University of Scranton)Jacob Vituszynski (University of Scranton)Joshua Vituszynski (University of Scranton)Stone Wormuth (Wilkes University)Alec Yanisko (Johnson College)Drew Yanni (Marywood University) James M. Akens North Pocono Athletic Trust FunCasey Serine (North Pocono)Kyle Serine (North Pocono) Jane H. Rushmore Memorial Nursing ScholarshipLisa Engroff (Career Technology Center)Kacie Szczech (Career Technology Center) Jason Evans Memorial Wrestling ScholarshipJames Brown (Abington Heights) Jefferson ScholarshipSara Reyes Guerrero (Riverside)Jaela Johnson (West Scranton) Jeffrey Morgan Davis Memorial ScholarshipSean Herbert (Holy Cross) Jennifer Morgan ScholarshipLindsey Christian (Pittston Area) John and Grace Kreig ScholarshipJeffery Higgins (Riverside) John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento All Saints Interparochial Academy ScholarshipElla Cohen (Scranton Prep)Nicholas Rusinko (Holy Cross) Joseph (Firp) and Charles Pacino ScholarshipPeter Kawash (Lakeland) Joseph J. Costa Memorial ScholarshipGene Biscontini (Lackawanna College)Lindsey Eason (Lackawanna College)Gilbert Diaz (Lackawanna College) Joseph P. McDonald Memorial ScholarshipDavid Day (Dunmore)Katie McKitish (Dunmore)Steven Qarmout (Dunmore) Junior League of Scranton ScholarshipSara McCormack (Scranton) Keisling Family ScholarshipSarah Tolerico (Carbondale) Margaret Briggs/Lackawanna College ScholarshipTara Palumbo (Lackawanna College)Donald Yarros (Lackawanna College) Matt McGloin ScholarshipBrennan Burnside (West Scranton)Iylah Mosley (West Scranton) Midori Yamanouchi, PhD Scholarship Nevica Molinaro (Riverside) Neal J. Fasula ScholarshipGavin Beck (Marywood University)Mia Castellano (Edinboro University)Kevin Jumper (Holy Cross)Norah Kelly (Holy CrossBryan Melliand (Penn State University)Samantha Meeker (Penn State University)Alexandra Mitchell (Penn State University)Adam Nitch (West Chester University)Will Oliphant (Misericordia University)Frank Rosenski (Abington Heights)William White (Penn State University) Page to the Stage Collegiate Scholarship Damien Chmielewski (Mid Valley) Patrick Andrew Luptak ScholarshipNatalie Deal (North Pocono)Michael Rodyushkin (Abington Heights)Sarah Tolerico (Carbondale) Pay It Forward ScholarshipJessica Kehl (Penn State University)Emma Kernoschak (Penn State University) Raoul Wallenberg ScholarshipTaylor Bartle (Greater Nanticoke Area) Russell J. O’Malley and James E. O’Brien Memorial ScholarshipRichard Rodenbach (Temple University) Sarah Beth Beynon Memorial ScholarshipJadan Zawierucha (Pittston Area) Scotty Cummings Perry Special Ed Scholarship Margaret Domski (Valley View) Scranton Central High School Class of 1964 ScholarshipEmily Kizer (Scranton) Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology ScholarshipNicholas Wilson (Johnson College) Teddick Family ScholarshipAshtyn Mecca (Lackawanna Trail)Zoe Pickett (Elk Lake)Chase Poplawski (Mountain View) The Melvin-Deininger ScholarshipMadeline Meckwood (Abington Heights) Tolerance ScholarshipTaylor Bartle (Greater Nanticoke) Todd Angelo Memorial ScholarshipPeter Heckman (University of Scranton) Waverly Women’s Club Scholarship Sarah Siddiqui (Abington Heights) Waverly Women’s Club Mildred Mumford English ScholarshipIsabell Holland (Abington Heights) Waverly Women’s Club Technical School Scholarship Spencer Jones (Abington Heights)
FNCB Bank Foundation Announces 2021 College Scholarship Winners FNCB Bank, locally-based since 1910, is pleased to announce the winners of the FNCB Bank Foundation merit scholarship awards for the 2021-2022 academic year. Overall, the foundation awarded $1,000 scholarships to three area high school seniors based on their academic excellence, community and school involvement, and citizenship. This year’s winners are Isabella Wisenburn of Abington Heights High School, Sarah Stettler of Holy Redeemer High School, and Danielle Lamberti of Lackawanna Trail High School. Ms. Wisenburn will be attending Juniata College (Bilingual Early Education), Ms. Stettler will be attending King’s College (Psychology) and Ms. Lamberti will be attending Misericordia University (Nursing). “It was no easy task selecting three winners from a large pool of highly qualified applicants,” said Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank vice president, marketing manager and foundation chairman. “We would like to congratulate all our winners and wish them success in their future academic and professional pursuits.” For more information on the FNCB Bank Foundation Scholarship program, please visit www.fncb.com/scholarship.
Johnson College to Host 28th Annual Golf Tournament The 28th Annual Johnson College Open will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021, at Pine Hills Country Club in Taylor, PA (rain or shine). Proceeds from this annual golf tournament support the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship Fund. Each academic year, Presidential Scholarships are awarded to four qualified and deserving full-time students. Sponsors of the 28th Annual Johnson College Open to date include:Presenting Sponsor: Gerrity’s SupermarketsAdvertising Sponsor: Lamar Advertising CompanyPlatinum: Shea Demolition, Inc.Platinum Marketing Sponsor: Sweda AdvertisingGold Print Sponsor: Sprint PrintGold Sponsors: Fastenal Company, Johnson Controls, L.R. Costanzo Construction Services Company Inc., Peoples Security Bank and Trust, PNC Bank, Reilly Associates, Simplex Homes, Sordoni Construction Services, Inc., Toyota of Scranton, Stevens & Lee, and Vacendak Construction.Cart Sponsor: ShopRiteBreakfast Sponsor: Troy Mechanical, Inc.Lunch Sponsor: Christiano Welding SupplyDinner Sponsor: Kutztown University Gift Sponsor: Action Lift, Inc.Cocktail Sponsor – Topp CopyMulligan Sponsor: A. Pickett Construction, Inc.Hole in One Sponsor: Gibbons Ford For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Allied Services Establishes Full Scholarships for Lackawanna College Nursing Students Driven by a commitment to invest in life-long careers in healthcare in Northeastern Pa., Allied Services has created the Allied Services Nursing Scholarship to provide full tuition for eligible students in Lackawanna College’s nursing associate degree program. Students awarded these scholarships will have the opportunity to work at Allied Services while continuing their education and be guaranteed a full-time position upon graduation and licensure as a Registered Nurse. Additionally, they will be awarded a sign-on bonus of up to $20,000.“We are incredibly grateful to Allied Services for their significant investment in our nursing students,” said Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “Partnerships like this have a lasting impact on health outcomes in our communities. This opportunity will ensure that our graduates have acquired family-sustaining jobs and fill much-needed positions in our local healthcare facilities.”Applications will be accepted until April 1 of a student’s first year and will be awarded in the Fall 2021 through Spring 2023 semesters to nine second-year students in Lackawanna’s nursing program. The scholarship will cover tuition, fees and textbooks.“Allied Services Integrated Health System has a strong history of reinvesting in education for our employees’ career advancement,” said Bill Conaboy, Esq., President and CEO of Allied Services. “This new nursing education partnership is an excellent example of extending the same opportunities to deserving students who truly want to make a difference in healthcare by joining our team which helps thousands of people, especially the aging in our region and those with chronic illness, in long term care, home health, rehabilitation nursing, and hospice care”. The new scholarship opportunity aligns with Lackawanna College’s and Allied Services’ commitment to preparing students for careers in the field of healthcare, particularly in post-acute and long-term care.More information about how to apply for the Allied Services Nursing Scholarship is available at lackawanna.edu/scholarships.
NEPA Health Care Foundation Opens Careers in Care Nursing Scholarships The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation today announces the opening of its new Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship application, established through the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This $700,000 competitive nursing scholarship program aims to support the growth and development of the nursing workforce in NEPA. The Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship Program is now accepting applications from students who plan to pursue or who are pursuing nursing and who will practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Interested students with demonstrated financial need can apply through the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s online portal found at safdn.org/nursing. The deadline to apply for a nursing scholarship is Saturday, May 15, 2021. To qualify for a Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship, individuals must show they have had a permanent address in Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming County for the last three years. Scholarships are available to those interested in obtaining a CNA and entering the healthcare workforce. Scholarships are also for anyone employed in the healthcare field in either Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming County and looking to advance as an LPN or RN. Additionally, students may apply if they are in their third or fourth year of a four-year nursing degree and looking for financial assistance. ‘Nontraditional’ students or those looking to go back to school to obtain a nursing degree may also apply. A registered nurse looking to obtain a Master’s degree may also qualify for a Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship. Letters of recommendation are required when applying. These scholarship opportunities offered by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation through its Careers in Care program, come during a time where the strains on the healthcare workforce in Northeastern Pennsylvania have been significant. These scholarships aim to make an impact on the nursing workforce in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties. “These scholarships will provide the much-needed financial support to students who may otherwise not have been able to further their education,” stated Director of Nursing and Associate Professor of Practice at Marywood University, Dr. Theresa Tulaney, Ph.D., MS, RN, GCNS. “In addition, it will allow students to focus on their education instead of having to work many hours to alleviate difficult financial situations,” she added. “The Foundation’s Board understands the strains that the regional healthcare workforce is facing and, through the Careers in Care initiative, strives to make an impact to address these critical issues,” said James Clemente, NEPA Health Care Foundation Board Chair. “Over the past year, we have seen just how timely this really is.” Additionally, through Careers in Care, the NEPA Health Care Foundation will provide grant support totaling $830,000, to a variety of organizations including Lackawanna College, for its three-year plan to enhance the pipeline of local healthcare professionals and increase the number trained and retained in the region; United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA for its Upward Economic Mobility Program; and Saint Joseph’s Center for direct support professional wage increases. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation’s Careers in Care initiative is a $1.5 million commitment over a three-year period (2020-2023) focused on moving the needle on these critical areas. The rollout of the Careers in Care initiative comes after the completion of a regional listening tour which the Foundation conducted from May through September of 2019. The NEPA Health Care Foundation conducted 30 site visits across the region to determine the health workforce challenges from the perspective of multiple healthcare providers, colleges, universities, vocational schools, agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, and how the Foundation could best make an impact. “It was clear from discussions during our listening tour that there is a great demand for nurses at all levels. Supply is just not able to meet demand,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. She continued, “It was also clear that the development of the regional health workforce pipeline needs to continue to start earlier with students.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers the NEPA Health Care Foundation. In addition to the Careers in Care initiative, the NEPA Health Care Foundation is also in the seventh year of a $3.2 million commitment to the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) for scholarship support for incoming first-year medical students from Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming counties. The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars program covers full tuition for these scholars, who indicate a commitment to practice medicine in Northeastern PA.
