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The Gwendolyn Stearns Program is a financial assistance program for students pursuing health care careers, including, but not limited to:
- Nursing
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech
- Audiology
- Respiratory Care
- Pharmacy
- Radiology
- Medical Technology
Gwendolyn Stearns was a long-time benefactor of Monument Health Rapid City Hospital. The Gwendolyn Stearns Scholarship Program was established to provide financial assistance for students pursuing careers in the field of healthcare. Gwendolyn Stearns’ vision, generosity and support provides ongoing education opportunities for future generations working with Monument Health.
“Caring and sharing together makes you feel good, and the benefits live on indefinitely.”
– Mrs. Gwendolyn Stearns
Program Details
About the Program
Financial assistance under this program is provided through student loans. If the student chooses to work for Monument Health after graduation, the loans will be forgiven. A loan repayment option is available for students who do not plan to work for Monument Health after graduation. Loan amounts vary based on availability of funds and number of accepted applicants.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are those admitted to the health care career program they are pursuing. Programs include, but are not limited to:
- Nursing (LPN, BSN, etc.)
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech
- Audiology
- Respiratory Care
- Pharmacy
- Radiology
- Medical Technology
- Medical Assisting
All applicants must be enrolled as full-time students and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Terms of the Program
Within six months of completing the educational program, loan recipients must develop a plan to either repay the loans OR agree to work for Monument Health for a set time after graduation. If the person has agreed to work in exchange for loan forgiveness, they will be required to work for Monument Health for 2,080 hours per each academic semester they were supported by the Gwendolyn Stearns program. This exchange for work is performed while being paid at the individual’s regular compensation rate and therefore results in the loan being “forgiven.” The program is not an offer or guarantee of employment. Students not hired by Monument Health (or those who are terminated from the educational program) are required to repay the assistance.
In the event the recipient does not secure employment at Monument Health, the loan must be repaid according to the terms listed above. Termination during the employment year(s) will result in proration of the amount to be repaid, based on the number of hours worked by the loan recipient.
How To Apply
Please fill out the online form below. If you are having trouble uploading your documents please reach out to resources@monument.health.
- Resume, including contact information and a summary of the applicant’s academic and extracurricular achievements
- Detailed description of educational and career goals
- Expected graduation date (month and year)
- Completion of two reference forms or two current reference letters
- Current college transcript (does not have to be an official transcript, but must include a current cumulative GPA)
- Verification of full-time student status
- A financial summary of expected educational expenses
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Fall Semester Deadline: August 1
Spring Semester Deadline: January 1