Applications for scholarships sponsored by the Bryan Whitfield Memorial Hospital Auxiliary are now available for those pursuing a career in healthcare during the 2014-2015 academic year.

Each year the group awards six $1,500 scholarships to young people who are pursuing an education in a healthcare related field.

“We began offering these scholarships back in 2005 and have seen a marked increase in the number of applications every year since then,” said Rebecca Culpepper, Auxiliary President. “That’s why we make the applications available so early in the school year. The earlier they submit their applications, the better. By starting the scholarship process in September, we strive to give everyone enough time to get everything together so that no one would miss out on having an opportunity to apply.”

This past year, they had as many as 50 applications for each scholarship, highlighting the fact that this is no small endeavor for the group of volunteers.

“Assisting area students who are interested in a career in healthcare is so important,” Culpepper said, “and it’s one of our group’s favorite projects. We want to make sure that quality healthcare is available here for years to come.”

The Auxiliary initiated the scholarship program in 2005 with the establishment of the Emmett and Carolyn Clinkscales Scholarship and the Carolyn S. (Betty) McCormick Scholarship. While both of the $1,500 gift scholarships are available to residents of Marengo, Sumter, Hale, Choctaw, Perry, Greene and Clarke counties, the McCormick scholarship is granted only to children and/or grandchildren of employees of the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority. With a total of six scholarships to present in 2014, three THA family members and three members of the general public will be assisted with their educations.

“This is a one-time, gift scholarship with very few strings attached,” said Culpepper who added that the deadline to apply is Feb. 19, 2014. “Because we have so many to express an interest in the program, we maintain a very strict deadline. Everything must be in the office of the Director of Volunteer Services no later than 3 p.m. on that date; otherwise, the application will not even be presented to the Scholarship Committee.”

Applications are being mailed this week to the guidance department at all area high schools and are already available on the hospital website, www.bwwmh.com.

Eligibility requirements for each scholarship are as follows. The Auxiliary may award up to $1,500 annually in financial assistance to individuals who reside within the medical service area of the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority and who wish to pursue education in the field of healthcare, without regard to race, color, creed, or national origin.

Any individual who is a graduating high school senior or above may apply for the scholarships as long as their chosen field of study is within the healthcare professions. The applicant must provide proof of residency in either of the following counties: Marengo, Sumter, Hale, Choctaw, Perry, Greene and Clarke. The applicant must possess a high school education or equivalent GED or other qualification relevant to the field of study applicable.

The Auxiliary reserves the right to deny, limit, or otherwise reject the application of any individual who, in the opinion of the Auxiliary Executive Committee, has failed to demonstrate acceptable academic performance in previous educational endeavors and meet all criteria, standards, and expectations relevant to the selection process. While the Auxiliary recognizes the right of individuals to select the school that he/she wishes to attend the group reserves the right to deny, limit, or otherwise reject applicants who wish to attend schools which are not accredited or which, in the experience of the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority, have been found to have high rates of failure on licensure examinations or a high rate of failure among students. The disbursement of funds for scholarship students shall be limited to tuition, books and lab fees. These shall be paid directly to the institution in which they are enrolled.

“We also want to make sure that those who have received or applied for one of these scholarships in the past know that they are welcome to apply for these scholarships each year,” Culpepper added.

To obtain an application or more information, see your school’s guidance counselor or call the Volunteer Services Director at 334-287-2626.