MHC Auxiliary Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Southern Illinois Healthcare

Description Purpose: The SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale Auxiliary awards annual scholarships to support students pursuing degrees and careers in healthcare. The program is intended for individuals who are accepted into—or currently enrolled in—accredited healthcare training programs. This cycle accepts applications for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. The Auxiliary manages the selections and distributes funds based on established criteria and available resources. Key takeaways: - Annual scholarship program run by the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale Auxiliary. - For students accepted into or enrolled in healthcare-related degree/certification programs. - Covers Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. - Selections depend on established criteria and available funds. Eligibility Who may apply: Applicants must be accepted into or currently enrolled in a healthcare-related program that restricts courses to candidates for the degree or certification. Pre-professional students (for example, pre-nursing, pre-med, or pre-pharmacy) are not eligible until formally accepted into the professional program (nursing school, medical school, etc.). Applicants must be residents of Illinois. The institution attended may be outside Illinois but must be an accredited or appropriately approved program. Key takeaways: - Must be accepted into or actively enrolled in an accredited healthcare program (not pre-professional status). - Illinois residency required. - School may be out-of-state if accredited/approved. - Pre-program students are ineligible until formal acceptance into the professional program. Selection Criteria Academic and financial considerations: Awards are determined by a combination of academic achievement, demonstrated financial need, and the availability of funds for the academic year. There is a competitive GPA expectation: a minimum of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or 4.5 on a 5.0 scale to be competitive. Priority consideration is given to Mount Vernon Health Center (MHC) employees and their families as well as SIH employees and their families. The award period is evaluated on an academic-year basis (4 quarters or 2 semesters). Key takeaways: - Selection balances academic merit and financial need. - Competitive GPA guideline: ≥3.5/4.0 or ≥4.5/5.0. - Priority to MHC and SIH employees and their families. - Awards are assessed for the full academic year (4 quarters / 2 semesters). Award Value Scope and variability: Scholarship amounts are not fixed publicly and vary depending on the Auxiliary’s available funds for the academic year. Awards are applied to tuition-related needs for the covered academic period (4 quarters or 2 semesters). Exact award amounts and the number of recipients depend on funding levels and the applicant pool in a given year. Key takeaways: - Award amounts vary year to year based on available funds. - Scholarships apply to the academic year (4 quarters / 2 semesters). - Number and size of awards depend on funding and applicant pool. - Specific dollar amounts are determined at the Auxiliary’s discretion. Renewal and Duration Renewal process: Current recipients must reapply annually and provide updated transcripts to be considered for renewal. Renewal decisions are based on continued enrollment in the healthcare program and maintained academic excellence. The scholarship may be renewed for up to four years total, but renewal is not automatic and requires annual reapplication and review. Key takeaways: - Recipients must reapply each year with updated transcripts. - Renewals depend on continued enrollment and strong academic performance. - Scholarships may be renewed for up to four years total. - Annual reapplication is required; renewals are subject to review. Application Timeline and Process Submissions and documents: The Auxiliary is accepting applications for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. Applicants should prepare documentation that demonstrates acceptance or current enrollment in an accredited healthcare program, proof of Illinois residency, and official academic transcripts. Reapplicants must submit updated transcripts. For exact deadlines, application forms, and submission instructions, contact the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale Auxiliary directly or visit their official channels. Key takeaways: - Applications open for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 terms. - Typical required materials: proof of enrollment/acceptance, Illinois residency, and transcripts. - Reapplicants must provide updated transcripts each year. - Confirm exact deadlines and submission instructions with the Auxiliary. History of the Award Background and mission: The scholarship program is an annual initiative of the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale Auxiliary aimed at fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. Over time it has emphasized community support by prioritizing hospital employees and their families while remaining open to Illinois residents enrolled in accredited programs. The Auxiliary manages the fund distribution to align donor intent and community needs. Key takeaways: - Annual Auxiliary-funded scholarship supporting healthcare education. - Emphasizes community support and workforce development. - Prioritizes hospital employees and families while serving Illinois residents. - Fund distribution aligns with available funds and donor intent.