Funding Amount

$10,000

Deadline

May 18, 2026

40 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Provident Scholarship Fund - Allied Health Program

Funder: Cook County Health Foundation, Cook County Health, Cook County Government

Geographic Scope: Cook County, Illinois

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per scholarship

Focus Areas: Supporting healthcare workforce diversity and equity by funding students pursuing careers in allied health and undergraduate health professions

Program Description

The Provident Scholarship Fund is named after Provident Hospital, founded in 1891 by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams—the first African American-owned and operated hospital in the United States. The fund builds on this legacy to uplift and support diversity in healthcare. The Allied Health Program specifically focuses on training the next generation of healthcare workers in critical support roles.

    Eligibility

  • Students pursuing allied health careers, including:
  • - Nursing (LPN or RN) - Behavioral Health - Radiology Technology - Surgical Technology - Respiratory Therapy - Paramedic programs - Dental programs (Dental Assistant or Dental Hygienist) - Other select qualified certification programs
  • Students enrolled in undergraduate programs that result in a degree, certification, or license in qualifying fields
  • Students must be from and dedicated to serving underrepresented communities in Cook County
  • Evaluation considers:
  • - Academic achievements - Recommendations - Personal statements - Cook County zip code and Social Vulnerability Index placement - Commitment to serving historically underserved communities

    Funding Source

  • Cook County Health Foundation: Primary funder for Allied Health scholarships
  • Cook County Health: $1.5M in scholarship awards (2025)
  • Cook County Government: Additional support

    Program History

  • Established in 2022
  • As of July 2025: Nearly 200 students have received scholarships totaling over $4M
  • 2025 cohort: 106 awardees (largest to date)
  • More than half of awardees in 2025 were returning students continuing their programs

Contact Information

Address: c/o Impact House, 200 W. Madison St. Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606

Website: https://cookcountyhealth.org/about/careers/provident-scholarship-fund/

Related Initiative: Project Rainbow - https://projectrainbow.cookcountyil.gov/

How to Apply

Application Process

Application Period: Opens April 18 annually, closes May 18

Application Portal: https://webportalapp.com/sp/psf_application_25

Steps to Apply:
1. Visit the application portal during the open application window
2. Complete the online application form
3. Provide personal statement
4. Submit academic recommendations
5. Include Cook County zip code information
6. Returning scholars use dedicated application link

Required Materials:

  • Academic achievements documentation

  • Recommendations

  • Personal statement explaining commitment to serving underrepresented communities

  • Proof of enrollment in eligible undergraduate or allied health program

  • Proof of degree, certification, or license pursuit in qualifying field
  • Special Considerations:

  • Returning scholars have separate application pathway

  • Evaluation emphasizes candidates from Cook County areas with high Social Vulnerability Index scores

  • Focus on removing barriers for students from historically underserved communities

  • Program goal is to address critical healthcare workforce shortage (30,000+ behavioral health workers needed in Cook County alone)
  • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    healthcareminoritiesbipochealth-disparities

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