Wasilla, AK — Mat-Su residents of all ages are invited to apply for Mat-Su Health Foundation academic scholarships from now through March 31, 2021. These scholarships can be used for higher education in the fields of health, human services or nonprofit management at accredited colleges and universities.

“Building Mat-Su’s healthcare workforce is an integral step toward ensuring everyone in our community has the opportunity to live a healthy life,” said MSHF President and CEO Elizabeth Ripley. “The Mat-Su Health Foundation’s investments in education increase the number of health and human services providers in our community, and they also help alleviate some of the financial burden experienced by both first-time college students and adults who wish to pursue new, fulfilling career paths.”

While the number of individual scholarships and the total dollar amount awarded varies, the foundation’s scholarship giving has increased dramatically since the inception of the program. In 2020, more than $1.7 million was awarded to 335 Mat-Su residents to pursue higher education in the fields of health, human services and nonprofit management.

Complete eligibility requirements and the online application are available at healthymatsu.org. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2021.

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About Mat-Su health Foundation: Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital to protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution. The MSHF mission is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su and the tools it uses include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change. The foundation’s work has resulted in significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. More information is available at healthymatsu.org.