As high school seniors approach the end of the school year, there is often more on their minds than just prom and graduation.  For many graduates, college lies ahead. But with tuition costs rising, many find themselves with no choice but to take on extensive student loans. For the 21^st year, physicians associated with Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare, a part of KentuckyOne Health, are helping to lighten the load by offering college scholarships.

The scholarship program, which began in 1991 as a Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital medical staff initiative, will award at least 12 one-time scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each. The program is open to all students who live in the primary service areas of the Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare campuses. At least two will be awarded to JHSMH employee or a member of a JHSMH employee’s family.

“We wanted to do something to give back to the community that we serve and it is our way of saying ‘thanks,’” said Dr. Robert Jacob, chairman of the committee for the past 21 years and orthopaedist with Jefferson Medical Associates, Jewish Physician Group.  “We believe that education opens doors and are happy to help make the financial commitment easier to bear.”

 As part of the application process, students are asked to submit an essay distinguishing themselves from other students, detailing how the scholarship will allow them to reach their long-term goals or explaining how they’ve persevered through hardships in life.

 Applicants are also asked to provide information about their academic achievements, family demographics, community service and teacher recommendations. Applications for the scholarship are due by April 15, 2012.

 The scholarship may be used for tuition, room and board and books at the college of the recipient’s choice. To date, the medical staff has awarded $263,000 in scholarships.

 When scholarship recipients recently completed a survey about the program, many of stated the scholarship was a critical part of their ability to attend college.

 “Our entire medical staff is excited to help give our bright, young people this needed opportunity,” said Dr. Jacob.

 To request an application packet, students or teachers may contact the Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare Medical Staff Office located at 1850 Bluegrass Ave, by calling 361-6652.