Healthcare Scholarship: Gallagher Koster Health Careers Scholarship
Overview of the Gallagher Student Health Careers Scholarship Program
The Gallagher Student Health Careers Scholarship Program, formerly known as the Gallagher Koster Scholarship, is an award that recognizes exceptional students in health related fields, who wish to pursue a career in health upon graduation.
The scholarship is worth $5,000 and, as of 2014, five scholarships are awarded. The funding is a cash prize; however, it is hoped that recipients will use the funding toward their academic pursuits, whether towards tuition, books, class materials or general living expenses during the period of study.
Typically, half of the awards are granted in the fall semester and half are granted in the spring semester. To qualify for the scholarship, all applicants must submit their applications by May 16th, the due date in 2014. (As the exact date may vary slightly from year to year, it’s advisable to consult the Gallagher Student Health Careers Scholarship Program website for the most up-to-date information.) Approximately 200 to 300 students submit applications for the program each year, though the exact number can vary.
All applications must be submitted electronically, via the Gallagher website. Students from any health-related field are welcome to apply and there is no master list of “approved majors.” Past winners have come from emerging fields such as music therapy as well as more “traditional” majors, such as biology or nursing. However, all applicants must be enrolled full-time in either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree program. Students in certificate programs are not eligible for the scholarship at this time.
A key element of the application is the essay portion, in which the applicant must demonstrate his or her interest in a health career. In addition to the personal essay section, applicants will be judged on their academic focus and achievements. All applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0. All applicants must submit their transcripts as well as two letters of recommendation along with their essay and other application materials. Letters of recommendation should demonstrate individual qualities, interests and overall character.
International students are welcome to apply, provided that they are enrolled full-time at a U.S. accredited institution. Likewise, U.S.-based students who are studying abroad may also apply, provided they remain enrolled at a U.S. institution during the duration of their time abroad.
The scholarship is solely intended for current undergraduate students, who will use the funding toward their undergraduate studies. Therefore, high school seniors and college seniors need not apply.