Scholarship Program FAQ's

Scholarship
FAQ's


Date	Scheduled Scholarship Item
Saturday, March 1, 2025	Health Careers Scholarship Program Application is Released
Tuesday, July 1, 2025	Deadline for Applicants to Submit Completed, Signed Application Materials
Tuesday, July 8, 2025	Letters of Recommendation Due
Friday, July 18, 2025	Applications Reviewed by Health Plan Review Committee
Tuesday, July 22, 2025	Health Careers Scholarship Program Applicants Notified
August – September	Health Careers Scholarship Program Awardees Honored at Respective Partnering Schools
September – October	Scholarship Money Disbursed to Partnering Schools

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I find a Health Careers Scholarship Program application? Please visit this page for updates on when applications should be available at your school and at the Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan ("Health Plan") web site: www.hpsj.com/scholarship-applications.
Who is eligible to apply for the Health Plan Health Careers Scholarship Program? Students applying for the Health Careers Scholarship Program must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a medical or health care profession (as a doctor, nurse or pharmacist) in the Central Valley, have a need for financial support and show academic excellence, as well as, a dedication to related community service.
How do I submit my application for the Health Careers Scholarship Program? Submit your application electronically. Click "Apply Now" to access the online application form. If you have questions or need help, please email, scholarships@hpsj.com or call Julia Valdez at (209) 461-2329.
How do I submit my letters of recommendation? The letters of recommendation must be submitted by the recommenders typed on Letterhead, including contact information from your recommender via email at scholarships@hpsj.com. View letters of recommendation instructions here.
What is Decision Medicine? Decision Medicine (DM) is a two-week program of the San Joaquin Medical Society. DM introduces high school juniors to the field of medicine through personal mentoring opportunities and site visits with behind-the-scenes access to regional hospitals, clinics, and public health centers. The program is limited to 24 students who will work in various teams with local physicians in their personal practice.
Can students involved in Decision Medicine and another school program, apply through both? Yes. High school seniors involved in Decision Medicine and a program through their high school can apply through both programs, however a student may only receive one reward.
Am I eligible to apply, if I do not meet the financial need requirement? Yes. All applicants who meet the basic requirements for the Scholarship are encouraged to apply. However, special consideration is given to students who demonstrate financial need.
Can I still receive the scholarship if I decide to attend a different college participating in the Health Careers Scholarship Program? Although, we understand that life events happen, we cannot guarantee that the scholarship money will be rerouted to your new school. After Health Plan disburses the scholarship funds, it is your responsibility to resolve this issue with your school’s Financial Aid Office.
Can I apply for the scholarship if I am going to attend one of the schools participating in the Health Careers Scholarship Program, but I am not a U.S. Citizen? Yes. You may apply for the scholarship as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Are there restrictions on how the scholarship can be spent? There are no restrictions on how the scholarship can be spent. However, the purpose of the scholarship is to help the student with tuition and student-related fees such as, books, school supplies, groceries, housing and related living expenses.
If I am not awarded a scholarship this year, can I reapply next year? Yes. You may apply for the Health Careers Scholarship Program if you are a graduating high school senior or are in college as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 units or full load.
If I am awarded a scholarship this year, can I reapply next year for another one? Yes. You may apply for the Health Careers Scholarship Program if you are a graduating high school senior or are in college as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 units or full load.
If I am awarded a scholarship, when can I expect to receive it? Health Plan will send the scholarship check directly to your school’s Financial Aid Office at the beginning of the school year.
How is the scholarship money disbursed? The scholarship money is disbursed as a one-time payment at the beginning of the school year.
Will Health Plan post the names of the awardees? Yes. Health Plan will post the names of the awardees on the www.hpsj.com/awardees website. All applicants will also receive a letter from Health Plan.
Are you a Health Plan member? Answering this question is optional and will not be a determining factor in receiving the Health Plan Health Career Scholarship. All applications will be reviewed in the same manner.
Who do I contact regarding questions about the Health Careers Scholarship Program or my application submission? For questions about the Health Careers Scholarship Program, please email scholarships@hpsj.com.