Mission Health is now accepting applications from throughout the community for the Kesha Young Health Careers Scholarship, with the aim of making college more affordable for minority high school seniors and college students from western North Carolina who are pursuing careers in healthcare.
Scholarship amounts range from $1,500-$2,500 for the 2018-19 school year.
The scholarship is named in honor of Kesha Young, a 22-year-old, bi-racial woman who was born with mental and physical disabilities and underwent multiple surgeries at Mission Hospital. Kesha died just months before she was scheduled to earn her high school diploma. Despite being in constant pain and confined to a wheelchair, Kesha was described by her adoptive parents as embodying the characteristics that are vital to how healthcare team members engage with patients, families and visitors, with a strong spirit, warm smile and positive encouragement.
“I’m so pleased that Mission can honor the memory of Kesha Young by helping these students pursue their college education,” said Sheila Meadows, Chief Human Resources Officer for Mission Health. “Since 2006, this program has helped hundreds of minority students in our region and has put them on track for successful careers in healthcare.”
The scholarships, which aim to help further the students’ educational and professional development in healthcare and grow future Mission Health team members, help with tuition, books and expenses. In addition, members of the Mission Health team serve as mentors to the students as they embark on their careers.
