LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – High school seniors across California planning to pursue nursing careers are encouraged to apply for the CalHealth Workforce Scholarship.

This scholarship is open to California high school seniors who intend to pursue a nursing career upon graduation.

Applicants must be legal residents of the United States.

This scholarship is made possible by the Health Professions Education Foundation and Healthcare Workforce Development Division, and funded by a grant from The California Wellness Foundation.

Deadline to Apply is March 29.

Scholarship applicants must:

• “Like” the division on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CalHealthWorkforce or follow them on Twitter, @HealthProfCAgov;
• Apply, including filling in the questionnaire and submitting an essay on the assigned topic, via SurveyMonkey at http://oshpd.ca.gov/HWDD/HCTP_CalHealth_Workforce_Scholarship.html ;
• Intend to pursue a nursing career;
• Agree to and abide by the terms and conditions and essay guidelines.

This is a one-time award and will not carry over into following years. There is no entry fee.

A panel of individuals selected by OSHPD, whose decisions are final, will judge the essays. Plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification. Winners will be contacted in May.

Once submitted, the application, answers, and essay become the property of OSHPD which maintains the right to edit, publish, or otherwise use for advertising/marketing, program reports, newsletters, etc. without payment to the author.

To receive the $1,000 financial award, an original signed and dated authorization/release form (to be provided to winners after selection) and proof of enrollment in an accredited college, university, trade, or technical school for the fall 2013 semester, must be returned to OSHPD by Oct. 1.

If you are less than 18 years of age, your parent/legal guardian must also sign the authorization/release form.

The essay topic: “California is the most populous and diverse state in the nation. Discuss why cultivating culturally competent nurses is integral to the success of the California healthcare system and what you would say to inspire someone to become a nurse.”

The essay guidelines are as follows: 750-1,000 words (not counting source citations; note the word count in parenthesis following the essay title); written in English; properly cited (quotes, copyrighted material, tables, etc.).