News Release

UPMC Northwest, Auxiliary Seek Scholarship Applicants

March 31, 2006 -- UPMC Northwest Auxiliary and UPMC Northwest have begun accepting applications for their 2006 Health Careers and Teen Volunteer scholarships. This year the auxiliary will award two $1,000 Health Careers Scholarships, and the auxiliary and hospital will present Teen Volunteer Scholarships totaling $1,000.

Health Careers Scholarships

Applicants must graduate from a Venango, Clarion, or Forest county high school and enroll in a health careers program. Recipients are chosen based on academic performance, financial need, guidance counselor recommendations, and other factors.
Applications are available in the auxiliary office at UPMC Northwest in Seneca (814-676-7721) and in the hospital’s Community Relations office at Seneca Place (814-677-1461). Applicants can learn more by calling Jill Williams in the auxiliary office at the number listed above.

Teen Volunteer Scholarship

To be eligible, a student must be a graduating high school senior (college freshmen may be considered if there are no eligible seniors) who has been a UPMC Northwest volunteer for at least one year, accumulated 100 or more hours of volunteer service, and legged volunteer hours during the junior and/or senior year. Scholarship funds will be awarded based on several factors including the applicant’s performance as a volunteer, participation in other activities, references, and academic performance.

Students may obtain applications in the Volunteer Services office at UPMC Northwest in Seneca (814-676-7922). Individuals can obtain more information by contacting Volunteer Services supervisor Dorothy Staub at the same number.

Application deadlines are May 1 for the Health Careers Scholarships and June 15 for the Teen Volunteer Scholarships.

In addition to these scholarships, the auxiliary contributes $2000 every year to Venango Campus and $1000 to Venango Technology Center for their scholarship programs. With these funds, Venango Campus awards four $500 scholarships to students enrolled in health careers programs, and Vo-Tech presents two $500 scholarships to students in its LPN program.

The auxiliary provides these scholarships with funds it receives from the Maude Gnade Trust. Mrs. Gnade was a wealthy Oil City resident whose trust will provide funds to the auxiliary, UPMC Northwest and several other organizations for as long as they exist.