The Gertrude G. Campanella Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 by an anonymous donation to Saint Elizabeth Manor, formerly a member of Saint Elizabeth Community. The gift was made in honor of long-time resident, Gertrude G. Campanella. Gertrude passed away in 2014, shortly after the first scholarships were awarded. The scholarship honors Gertrude’s life-long philosophy of encouraging those around her to seek opportunities for professional advancement. Awards from this fund provide tuition assistance to Saint Elizabeth Community employees who seek to advance a career.

Eligibility

• Applicants must currently be employed by Saint Elizabeth Community and have completed a minimum of one year of service.
• Applicants must be in good standing at the time of application.
• The scholarship is open to those studying to advance a career in health care. Continuing education programs that maintain current career status do not qualify. Eligible examples include, but are not limited to: a Certified Nursing Assistant studying to be a Registered Nurse, a Dietary Aide studying to be a Physical Therapy Assistant, or a Registered Nurse studying to be a Physician’s Assistant.
• Applicants may currently hold any position at any location within Saint Elizabeth Community provided the intention is to advance an education in an area of patient care.
• All areas of patient care study are eligible including Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.
• Scholarship funds are to be used for certification training courses or college-level classes.
• Scholarship recipients remain eligible for tuition reimbursement opportunities available as an employee benefit through Human Resources.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a committee to ensure eligibility. Candidates will be evaluated on the information provided as part of the application process as well as work history, performance, letters of commendation in the personnel file, and length of tenure.

Award Process

The Gertrude G. Campanella Scholarship award winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The award may be used for any tuition and fees associated with the intended course. Should the cost of the course not expend the full award amount, the balance of the scholarship amount may be used towards required texts or towards an additional class.

Funds will be available for one year following the award date in order to allow flexibility. The recipient will be required to provide proof of registration and documented expenses in order to be reimbursed. Those affected by financial hardship may request direct payment to the program of their choice to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.