Inaugural scholarships presented to four Napa Valley students pursuing health care careers
Queen of the Valley Foundation and Napa Valley Community Foundation recently announced the recipients of their inaugural Healthcare Scholarship Fund, awarding nearly $50,000 to four students enrolled in nursing programs at Napa Valley College and Pacific Union College.
“Nurses are the heart of our mission-driven work at Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center, giving their time, skills and expertise to provide exceptional care to all,” said Rachael Poer, president and CEO of Queen of the Valley Foundation. “We are thrilled to award our inaugural scholarships to four deserving students who represent the future of nursing and health care in the Napa Valley.”
The scholarship fund was created in early 2023 to financially support Napa Valley residents interested in a career in the health care field. Made possible by generous donations from the community to Queen of the Valley Foundation, the scholarship offers up to $25,000 to locals who are enrolled in nursing or respiratory therapy programs at Napa Valley College or Pacific Union College.
“We're proud to partner with Queen of the Valley Foundation in investing in the future of health care in Napa Valley. This scholarship amplifies our collective generosity, supporting the next generation of nurses who are the backbone of our community's well-being,” said Lupe Reyes, who manages scholarships at Napa Valley Community Foundation.
This year’s recipients include:
- Julieta Carrillo – A Napa Valley College student pursuing a Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Certificate who expects to graduate in May 2024.
- Ricardo Hernandez – A Napa Valley College student pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) who expects to graduate in December 2023.
- Jillian McNab – A Pacific Union College student pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) who expects to graduate in June 2024.
- Jason Pofi – A Napa Valley College student pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) who expects to graduate in December 2023.
All four students shared that the additional support will help them achieve their dreams of entering the nursing profession to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to all.
“Your generosity has inspired me to continue to help others and give back to our community,” McNab said. “After completion and graduation of the nursing program I plan on continuing my nursing career helping those in need, serving as a patient advocate and providing compassionate, dignified care to our Napa Valley community.”
To learn more about the Healthcare Scholarship Fund, visit www.napavalleycf.org/im-a-student/healthcare-scholarship-fund