Posted on April 18, 2025 View the blog
CHICAGO, April 18, 2025— Today, Cook County Government, Cook County Health and the Cook County Health Foundation announced the opening of the application process for the Provident Scholarship Fund. The scholarship program supports future healthcare professionals, builds the local healthcare workforce, and advances equity in medicine.
The application process opens on Friday, April 18 and closes on Sunday, May 18. For more information, or to apply, visit https://cookcountyhealth.org/provident-scholarship-
fund/
“To create a more equitable health care system that provides high-quality, culturally competent care for all, we must ensure that our health care workforce is reflective of our communities,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Lifting up students who may not have as many academic and economic opportunities and support their aspirations couldn’t come at a more critical time.”
The scholarship will provide financial assistance to eligible students, as well as mentorship and
professional development opportunities.
Cook County Health is investing $1.5M in this year’s scholarship awards. The Cook County Health Foundation is contributing $250,000. The Provident Scholarship Fund offers $20,000 scholarships to health professional students, including those in medical, dental, physician assistant and nurse practitioner programs and $10,000 scholarships to undergraduate and allied health students, including those nursing, behavioral health, surgical and radiology technology, respiratory therapy, and paramedic programs.
“We cannot sit by and watch our national healthcare workforce shortage grow. Through this scholarship program, Cook County Health is doing our part to create a solution: supporting our future healthcare leaders who are from and committed to caring for underserved communities,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO, Cook County Health.
The America Hospital Association is projecting a shortage of more than 100,000 critical healthcare workers nationally by 2028. Last year, a report from the Cook County Health Office of Behavioral Health identified that 30,000 behavioral health workers are needed to meet county residents’ needs.
“The Provident Scholarship Fund is an investment in the future of healthcare,” said Verlon Johnson, Cook County Health Foundation Board Chair. “By supporting talented students from underrepresented communities, we are not only changing individual lives but also strengthening our healthcare system as a whole.”
Named in honor of Provident Hospital, the first African American-owned and operated hospital in the United States, the scholarship fund advances the hospital’s legacy of equitable healthcare by reducing financial barriers for aspiring medical professionals.
The Provident Scholarship has awarded $3M in scholarships to nearly 200 students since its establishment in 2022.
CCHF invites community members, healthcare partners, and donors to support the Provident Scholarship Fund and help build a stronger, more diverse healthcare workforce by donating at www.cchealthfounation.org/donate.
