Community Healthcare Scholars Program

In 2012, Yavapai College announced the creation of the largest scholarship program in its history when the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott (JCF) provided full tuition and fee scholarships to 48 students in the nursing and radiologic technology programs over a five-year period. The first recipients of the Jewish Foundation Healthcare Scholarships began their professional studies at Yavapai College in August of 2012. Over the ensuing years, other community organizations contributed funds to the program.

The scholarship program is currently in Phase 4 with funding from the following community partners: Beck Legacy Group, Fain Signature Group, Harold James Family Trust, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott, Margret T. Morris Foundation, Mike and Tammi Fann, Prescott Radiologists, LLP, Yavapai College Foundation, and Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Upon completion of Phase 4, these generous partners will have funded close to $2.0 million in healthcare scholarships, with almost 300 students receiving full tuition and fee scholarships.

The scholarship program is designed to address two issues: (1) the expected shortage of healthcare professionals in coming years and (2) the inability of rural communities to effectively compete with urban communities for these highly valued professionals. To date, the program has achieved a 93% completion rate.  Of those who have completed their training, 91% have stayed in the immediate area.

The Community Healthcare Scholarship program is a community effort to identify, support, and train students who are committed to pursuing a healthcare career in our local community. As described by JCF president, David Hess, M.D.: “The program simultaneously supports education and healthcare, while ensuring a ‘pipeline’ of vital healthcare professionals for the local medical community.”

When asked about the Community Healthcare Scholars Program, a spokesperson for Yavapai College Foundation said: “The College is overwhelmed with the enthusiasm our community has shown in supporting these aspiring healthcare professionals. The generosity of these respected organizations is truly amazing and the provided scholarships relieve the financial burden for students allowing them to concentrate on their studies.”