Above: 2019 nursing and health tech scholarship recipients with GHD Board of Directors (Back row, left to right): Bao Ho, Spencer Bacher, Rex Peterson, Director Randy Lenac, Director Michael Emerson, Director Virginia Hall; (Front row, left to right): Director Gloria Chadwick, Lina Najeeb, Anica Tellez, Dennison Serra, Fnu Armaghan, Jennifer Watkins (Not pictured): Director Robert “Bob” Ayres
LA MESA, Calif. (April 23) —- The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) board continues to invest in promising healthcare students, recently awarding $17,000 in grants to eight East County college students pursuing careers in the health field.
The GHD supports access to career opportunities by offering higher education scholarships for future nursing and health tech professionals.
A recent report by the California Future Health Workforce Commission shows the work continues to be greatly needed, as the state will face a shortfall in the next decade of 4,100 primary care clinicians and 600,000 home care workers, among others.
To meet this need, Cuyamaca College, Grossmont College and the Grossmont Health Occupations Center all offer health tech programs.
This year’s scholarship winners are currently enrolled in a health occupations program at one of these local institutions.
“The Grossmont Healthcare District recognizes the financial obstacles facing today’s students as a potential barrier for would-be future healthcare providers,” said Randy Lenac, board president. “We see our role as removing that barrier for District residents by investing in access to education and training programs.”
One $3,000 nursing scholarship was awarded to a Santee resident, Anica Tellez, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at San Diego State University.
”I find that community outreach is so important when it comes to healthcare,” Tellez said. “My role as a nursing student is more important than I originally thought.”
Seven $2,000 health tech scholarships were awarded to local students pursuing careers in a variety of health tech occupations, all studying at Grossmont College. Recipients include: El Cajon residents Fnu Armaghan and Lina Najeeb; Santee residents Rex Peterson and Bao Ho; Jennifer Watkins (La Mesa); Spencer Bacher (Lemon Grove); and Dennison Serra (Spring Valley).
Since 1999, the district has awarded scholarship grants to East County high school and college students, worth more than $1 million in higher education tuition.
Currently enrolled college students pursuing nursing or health tech occupations are encouraged to learn more about applying for the District’s career scholarship programs:
• Richard Bea RN Memorial Nursing Scholarship Online Application
• Health Tech Scholarship Online Application
About Grossmont Healthcare District
The Grossmont Healthcare District is a public agency that supports health-related community programs and services in East County. The District formed in 1952 to build and operate Grossmont Hospital. It serves as landlord of Sharp Grossmont Hospital and owns the property and buildings on behalf of East County taxpayers. The district is governed by a five-member board of directors who represent more than 500,000 people residing within 750 square miles.
CONTACT:
Erica Salcuni
Grossmont Healthcare District
esalcuni@grossmonthealthcare.org
Phone: (619) 825-5017
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