Matt Salmon Scholarship

Purpose: The purpose of the Matt Salmon Nursing Education Scholarship Fund is to help cover the education costs associated with earning an LPN, RN or BSN degree for one employee annually. This scholarship recognizes Matt Salmon, advocate extraordinaire, whose commitment of time and energy has had a significant positive impact on the lives of Hacienda's clients, patients and their families as well as Hacienda's employees and supporters.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be employed by Hacienda (full-time or part-time) for at least 1 year and in good standing
• Must have at least one year left of school/training
• Open to any Hacienda HealthCare employee currently pursuing further education in nursing with an LPN, RN or BSN degree
• Applicant must attend an accredited school of nursing
• Grades must be a C average upon submitting application
• Scholarship is based on merit and financial need
• Applicant must describe financial need on the application

Award Details

• Scholarship is not renewable, but recipient is allowed to reapply each year
• Scholarship may be used for tuition, books, lab fees, supplies, day care, etc.
• One $2,500 scholarship awarded annually to one eligible employee
• Award is announced by the CEO at the annual Hacienda Holiday party

Selection Process

• Scholarship committee consists of three management team members who choose the scholarship recipient
• Selection based on:
  • Performance beyond expectations in caring for Hacienda patients and clients
  • Financial need for assistance

Recipient Responsibilities

• Maintain a C average
• Repay scholarship if you drop out of school or grades drop below C average
• Report at end of the year on how the scholarship was used and helped further your medical training

Application Process

1. Application Period Opens: November 1st annually
2. Application Deadline: December 1st
3. Notification: Recipient announced by CEO at annual Hacienda Holiday party (date TBD)

Required Materials

• Contact information (name, email, phone, address)
• Employment information (date started at Hacienda, current department, full-time/part-time status while attending school)
• Educational information:
  • Medical certification/degree level being pursued (LPN, RN, or BSN)
  • School name
  • Full-time or part-time enrollment status
  • Current enrollment status or acceptance letter
• Financial information:
  • Description of financial need for managing school expenses
  • Special personal or family circumstances affecting need
  • Current financing methods
  • Plans for financing remainder of school expenses
• Essay responses addressing:
  • Why you chose nursing or the medical field (150+ words)
  • Career goals after receiving nursing degree
  • Interpretation of "Perfection is our goal. Excellence will be tolerated"
  • Experience working with fragile population and/or individuals with disabilities
  • Time when you advocated on behalf of a patient or family member
  • Positive impact you hope to make in the field of nursing

Application Submission

• Online application form available at haciendainc.org
• Printed applications can be requested
• Grades must be C average or higher