Wasilla, AK — Mat-Su residents of all ages are invited to apply for Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) academic scholarships from now through Feb. 28, 2023. These scholarships can be used for higher education in the fields of health care, human services, or nonprofit management at accredited colleges and universities.

“Helping build up the Mat-Su healthcare workforce continues to be one of our leading priorities as we work toward ensuring everyone in the community has the opportunity to live a healthy life,” says MSHF President and CEO Elizabeth Ripley. “As the Mat-Su Health Foundation’s investment in education grows each year, we not only help reduce the financial weight of pursuing higher education, but we also increase the number of health and human services providers in our community.”

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 2022, more than $1.8 million in academic scholarships was awarded to 363 Mat-Su residents. Individual awards ranged from $500 to $7,000.

Complete eligibility requirements and the online application are available at healthymatsu.org. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28, 2023.

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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 .