WEST PALM BEACH, FL - Palm Healthcare Foundation has awarded $167,505 in support of its Scholarship and Mentoring Program to 73 students pursuing a career in healthcare.

"This annually funded needs-based scholarship program is part of our commitment to grow and strengthen the healthcare workforce in our community, and to encourage individuals, particularly those from culturally diverse and underserved groups, to enter the health profession" said Amy Dean, PHF Director of Healthcare Workforce Policy and Development.

The 73 scholarship recipients include nursing students, pharmacy students, and a radiological technician student, as well as nurses pursuing graduate degrees in nursing education. To address the workforce shortages in these professional areas, scholarship recipients have committed to working in Palm Beach County for one year for each year of scholarship funding received.

A distinguishing feature of the program is the pairing of a mentor to each undergraduate scholarship recipient because "PHF realizes that to be successful, the support of our scholarship students must go beyond just helping to finance their education," said Dean.

Healthcare professions programs are academically demanding and can present a number of challenges, especially for students who are working and/or raising a family while in school. Mentors offer support, encouragement, knowledge and expertise to these future healthcare workers.

"We believe that through mentoring support and sharing of professional expertise, these students will be better positioned to successfully complete their academic programs and, ultimately, move into a healthcare career in Palm Beach County," said Sally D. Chester, MS, RN, scholarship committee chair. "Through the mentoring program, our healthcare community has shown its support and dedication to the success of these future healthcare workers who will serve Palm Beach County," said Chester.

As the leading public healthcare foundation in Palm Beach County, the Foundation builds strong community relationships, respects diverse opinions and supports non-traditional approaches to difficult healthcare challenges. For more information, please visit the website at www.palmhealthcare.org or call 561-833-6333.