Ozarks Healthcare’s Scholarships Support Student Success

Photo courtesy of Ozarks Healthcare

Hospital honors graduating seniors and employees’ children with financial aid

Graduation season brings more than diplomas for area students—it also brings opportunity. Thanks to Ozarks Healthcare’s scholarship program, several graduates are getting a boost as they begin their college journey.

“At Ozarks Healthcare, we take pride in the level of care we provide to the community, and this scholarship program demonstrates our commitment to giving back by investing in local students and in our workforce and their families,” said Sammi Radosevich, Inside Track Career Pathways coordinator.

Funded by the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation, the program awarded 31 scholarships to graduating high school seniors this year—on par with last year’s numbers. The awards fall into two categories: Community Scholarships and the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program.

Community Scholarships are open to students from 10 area high schools and awarded through a competitive application process. This year, 13 students each received $1,000 scholarships.

The Employee Dependent Scholarship Program is available to children of Ozarks Healthcare employees, regardless of which high school they attend. This year, 18 scholarships of $500 each were awarded. In total, students from 14 high schools across Missouri and Arkansas received scholarships.

Selection criteria include academic performance, community involvement, extracurricular participation, and letters of recommendation. While students aren’t required to pursue a healthcare career, preference is given to those who do.

“We prefer they be going into a medical field, especially when selecting our community scholarships,” Radosevich said. “That said, if an applicant is highly qualified but pursuing a different field, they are still considered.”

Radosevich said the long-running program is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role—and a meaningful way Ozarks Healthcare stays connected to the region it serves.

“As a community hospital that cares for a broad area, we believe in supporting students who value their community just as we do,” she said. “Financial support can make the difference between attending college or affording books, and we’re proud to play a part in helping students achieve their dreams.”