The Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) Health Care Opportunity Program (HCOP) has awarded scholarships to 14 students who have completed the unique grant-funded program elements which helped them to discern and plan for a career in a health profession. These students will continue their academic journey in their selected programs of study, utilizing this scholarship funding for coursework, textbooks, and other educational costs.
The HCOP program was launched at MWCC in 2018 to support and guide eligible high school and MWCC students through the educational pipeline and addresses healthcare staffing issues in the North Central region of Massachusetts. This selective program prepares students for careers in health fields including biology, dental arts, exercise/sports science, medical assisting, paramedic technology, pharmacy, physical therapist assisting, radiology technology, substance abuse counseling and veterinary technology. Students benefit not only from scholarship money, but they receive academic and career counseling, additional tutoring, program-funded college courses and job shadowing opportunities.
“HCOP helps students determine their path to a health career early in their education in the hopes of saving them valuable time and money,” stated Lisa Stejskal, HCOP Director. “We are thrilled to grant these scholarships in support of these students continuing their education.”
Students awarded the scholarships are Brianna Cauley, Cassandra Conrad, Melissa Gaudet, Jacqueline Hobbs, Mumtaz Khan, Shaina Lakanen, Nicole Leeper, Lilliana Nunez, Lisa McMaster, Daniel Mullane, Danielle Pellitier, Samantha Piragis, Erica Roach, and Barbara Whitney.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Administration (HRSA) of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3,200,000 with zero percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.