Education is a powerful tool for shaping the future of healthcare, and McKee Wellness Foundation is committed to supporting students in Northern Colorado who aspire to careers in nursing, healthcare, mental health, and cognitive health. Through the generosity of donors, McKee Wellness Foundation maintains scholarships that provide financial assistance to students pursuing degrees in these vital fields.

The 2025 McKee Wellness Foundation Scholarship application period opened February 1, 2025, and closes March 31, 2025. Recipients will be announced in May 2025, with scholarships awarding up to $2,500 annually for the duration or remainder of the degree program.

Who Can Apply?
Scholarship applications are encouraged from:

• High school seniors preparing to enter a degree program.
• Current college students pursuing careers in healthcare-related fields.
• Adult learners continuing their education in healthcare professions.

Scholarship funds may be applied toward online or in-person accredited degree programs and are not limited to Colorado institutions.

Scholarship Opportunities for 2025
Two scholarship opportunities are available, and applicants only need to submit one application to be considered for both:

• Marge Schafer Nursing Scholarship – Established in honor of Marge Schafer, this scholarship supports students pursuing or continuing a nursing degree through an accredited program. Funds may be distributed annually or semi-annually throughout the program, provided scholarship criteria are met.
• McKee Wellness Foundation Scholarship – Awarded to students pursuing an accredited healthcare, dental health, mental health, or cognitive health degree. Funds may be distributed annually or semi-annually for the duration of the degree program, contingent on meeting scholarship criteria.

A Life-Changing Opportunity for Students in Healthcare
McKee Wellness Foundation scholarships have already made a tangible impact on students dedicated to serving their communities through healthcare.

For April, a full-time student in the radiation technology program at Aims Community College, receiving a scholarship meant she could continue working toward her goal of becoming an MRI tech. As a patient transporter at Banner Northern Colorado Medical Center, a single parent, and an active leader in her honor society, she balances an incredible workload while striving to advance her career. She also served on the fundraising committee of a nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence. Recognizing her resilience and dedication, McKee Wellness Foundation selected her as the 2024 Banner NOCO Scholarship recipient, awarded to Banner Health employees or their immediate family members.

Elizabeth, a medical assistant at Banner Health MD Anderson Cancer Center in Loveland and a single parent of six, has dedicated her life to patient care. With 14 years of experience in the medical field and a passion for helping underserved communities through medical mission trips to China, Uganda, Mexico, Panama, and South Africa, her dream has always been to become a nurse. Balancing work, family, and education is no small feat, but with support from McKee Wellness Foundation, she is now closer to reaching her goal. She was awarded the 2024 Marge Schafer Nursing Scholarship in recognition of her dedication to healthcare and service to others.

These stories are just a glimpse of the life-changing impact McKee Wellness Foundation scholarships have on aspiring healthcare professionals.

Selection Process & Scholarship Expectations
The McKee Wellness Foundation Scholarship Committee carefully evaluates applicants based on:

• Academic performance and commitment to education.
• Community involvement, workplace experience, and extracurricular activities.
• Resilience in overcoming barriers to higher education.

Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, which may be from:

• Teachers or professors
• Employers or mentors
• Coaches or team leaders
• Counselors or volunteer supervisors

If selected, scholarship recipients must meet the following expectations:

1. Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and be on track to graduate within the stated timeframe.
2. Participate in a paid job, club, team, or volunteer activity during the academic year.
3. Stay connected with McKee Wellness Foundation, providing updates on academic progress.
4. Submit required scholarship renewal documents (proof of enrollment, class schedule, academic transcripts).

Apply for a Scholarship Today
The application process is simple and streamlined. Submit one general application to be considered for both scholarship opportunities.

• Application period: February 1 – March 31, 2025
• Scholarship awards: up to $2,500 annually
• Application link: Click here to apply
• Questions? Email info@mckeefoundationco.com or call 970-617-5975.

Making Higher Education More Accessible
McKee Wellness Foundation believes that financial barriers should not stand in the way of dedicated individuals pursuing careers in healthcare. These scholarships not only provide financial relief but also foster a stronger, more skilled healthcare workforce in Northern Colorado.

For those who are passionate about nursing, healthcare, mental health, or cognitive health, this is an opportunity to turn aspirations into reality. Apply today and take the next step toward making a difference in the health and wellness of your community.