As the population ages and technology advances increase survival rates after serious accidents and illnesses, the demand for healthcare professionals working in rehabilitation continues to grow. According to the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development, these are among the fastest-growing occupations, yet the number of graduates is not expected to meet the need.
Recognizing the importance of ethnically diverse students entering this field, Courage Center offers the EMPOWER Scholarship. Administered by Courage Center through a Scholarship Committee, EMPOWER encourages and supports ethnically diverse students who are residents of Minnesota or Wisconsin and pursuing a career in the medical or rehabilitation field. Funds are made available through the David M. Hersey Endowment Fund, thanks to the commitment and generosity of Adele Hersey and her family.
EMPOWER applicants must identify how they will use their educational training and demonstrate their interest in this field. Selection is based on the applicants’ intentions, achievements and need, rather than solely on graduation ranking.
Courage Center, a nonprofit rehabilitation and resource center, has a legacy of improving the quality of life for people experiencing barriers to health and independence. Our full continuum of care includes rehabilitation therapies, transitional rehabilitation, pain management, vocational and community-based services, camping, and sports and recreation programs for people of all ages and abilities.
“The EMPOWER scholarship helped pay for class credits. I felt helpful when working with clients and I learned to listen to the client’s preferences and individual needs that might not have been apparent in a book. You learn a lot about healthcare professionals, clients, and the work environment.” -- H Yen Nguyen, EMPOWER Scholarship Winner