Twenty-eight students have been selected as the first-ever Parkview Opportunity Scholars. As participants in this innovative program, these scholars have the chance to not only pursue their degree, but also kick-start their career at Parkview Health after graduation.
Representatives from Parkview Health, Questa Education Foundation, Ivy Tech and Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) gathered at the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation to celebrate the induction of the first cohort in early August.
The 28 scholars awarded are Class of 2023 graduates from various Fort Wayne Community Schools and pursuing a variety of studies related to careers at Parkview Health, including accounting, business, medical assisting, nursing and surgical technology.
Awarded Parkview Opportunity Scholars have the opportunity to complete a college degree, graduate with less debt, and kick-start their career at Parkview Health upon graduation.
From left: Hallie Custer (VP of Human Resources, Parkview Health), Heather Schoegler (Director, Strategic Educational Partnerships, Parkview Health), Keiara Petty, Kyaira Causey, Angelo Riley, Raven Morton (Assistant Director for Scholar Success, Questa), Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson (Chancellor, Ivy Tech), Liz Bushnell (Executive Director, Questa)
“We are excited for the significant opportunities that lie ahead of them,” said Hallie Custer, VP of Human Resources, Parkview Health. “As Parkview Opportunity Scholars, they will be able to further their education and receive a solid start along their career path. With this foundation, their futures will include endless possibilities.”
The Parkview Opportunity Scholars Program, designed and funded by Parkview Health and created in partnership with Questa, Ivy Tech and Fort Wayne Community Schools, supports students who may not have the opportunity to complete a college degree due to a number of barriers. Whether they have a financial need, are a first-generation college student, a first-generation American, or they did not believe college could be an option for them, these scholars will receive one-on-one support and resources to help them succeed.
Parkview Health, Ivy Tech, Questa Education Foundation, and Fort Wayne Community Schools representatives gathered at the Parkview Mirro Center to celebrate the induction of the first cohort of Parkview Opportunity Scholars.
“This program creates opportunities for students and directly addresses critical talent needs in our region,” said Elizabeth Bushnell, Executive Director of Questa Education Foundation. “Parkview provides an incredible example of how regional employers can directly impact talent development by supporting educational opportunities for local students who are their future employees.”
Offered as a forgivable loan, the award will cover full tuition and fees for a qualifying associate degree from Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Warsaw. Scholars will receive 100% forgiveness once they complete their associate degree within two years and when they work at Parkview Health for at least one year after graduating from Ivy Tech.
Raven Morton, Assistant Director for Scholar Success, Questa Education Foundation, announced the first cohort of Parkview Opportunity Scholars.
“One of the best aspects of this program is that these scholars are guided through the program with support from start to finish by the partners,” said Raven Morton, Assistant Director for Scholar Success. “Questa’s role is to work closely with them to make sure they have financial and academic support and encourage them to utilize resources lending to their overall success. Thee goal is for scholars to be empowered by these partners coming together, offering them support, from day one.”
The next cohort of the Parkview Opportunity Scholars Program will support up to 50 Fort Wayne Community Schools seniors who graduate in December 2023 or May 2024. Scholars must be pursuing an approved degree from Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Warsaw. The application opens September 15, 2023, and eligible students are encouraged to apply at www.questafoundation.org/parkview-opportunity.