K21 Health Foundation is again collaborating with Questa Foundation for Education to provide Scholar Awards to college students from Kosciusko County who are committed to a degree in a medical or health-related field. Qualifying Questa Scholars are eligible for loans of up to $5,000 each year for four years in support of their education. The program offers forgiveness of up to 50 percent of the loan if after graduation they return to live and work in northeast Indiana for a minimum of five years. An additional 25 percent reduction is possible if students attend one of nine post-secondary school partners in the region. “We are facing a future shortage of health professionals in our community,” said Rich Haddad, K21 president and CEO. “This program appeals to K21 since it encourages students from our county to return to our area to begin their careers.” Haddad said it is the organization’s hope that these students will permanently settle in the region, thereby reducing the current “brain drain.” For more information about the Questa Scholars program, Kosciusko County students should contact their school’s guidance counselor or call the Questa Foundation for Education at 260-407-6494. People also may visit the Questa website at www.questafoundation.org K21 Health Foundation exists for the benefit of Kosciusko County citizens to ensure health care services are provided, and to advance prevention and healthy lifestyles. For more information about the K21 Health Foundation, call 574-269-5188 or visit www.k21foundation.org
