Scholarships

Supporting the dreams of future generations.

Gritman supports several scholarship awards as part of our commitment to future health care leaders in our region. Academic scholarships are available for both high school and college students studying in the health care field.

Paper applications for each scholarship are available upon request. Contact the Foundation office at 208-883-6231 or email foundation@gritman.org.

If you would like to support Gritman’s health care scholarships, please donate at gritman.org/give.

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Janet Chisholm Martin Health Care Scholarship

Funded by the Gritman Foundation

Award: Separate scholarships will be awarded totaling $1,000 cumulatively. To be used for the next academic year.

Length of scholarship: One academic year only. Scholarship will be divided per academic term.

Use of scholarship: Scholarship may be used to help pay for expenses at any accredited institution of higher learning, for people pursuing education in a health care field such as a doctor of medicine, nursing, medical technicians, physical therapy or pharmacy.

Eligibility:

  • Any high school senior in Latah County who has at least a 2.0-grade point average and demonstrates financial need.
  • Any current graduate or undergraduate student attending an accredited institution of higher learning in Latah, Nez Perce, Whitman or Asotin counties and already pursuing a degree in the health care field with a 2.0 grade point average.
  • Any current employee of Gritman Medical Center or a person who has been employed by Gritman in the past two years who is or will be pursuing health care education.

History: This scholarship was established in 2007 by Mrs. Lois Michael to honor her daughter, Janet Martin, a long-time nurse at Gritman Medical Center.

Apply

L. Clay Boyd Memorial Health Care Scholarship

Funded by the Gritman Foundation

Award: Up to $1,500 cumulatively, divided per academic term.

Length of scholarship: One academic year only. The scholarship will be divided per academic term.

Use of scholarship: This scholarship may be used to pay for expenses at any accredited institution of higher learning. This scholarship is for people pursuing education in the health care field.

Eligibility:

  • Any high school senior in Latah County who has at least a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrates financial need.
  • Any current graduate or undergraduate student attending an accredited institution of higher learning in Latah, Nez Perce, Whitman or Asotin counties, and already pursuing a degree in the health care field with a 3.0 grade point average.
  • Any current employee of Gritman Medical Center or a person who has been employed by Gritman in the past two years who is or will be pursuing health care education.

History: Clay Boyd was a former CEO of Gritman Medical Center. The intent of the scholarship is to continue Clay’s legacy of helping fellow health care workers continue their education and advance their careers.

Apply

The Besst Family Scholarship

Funded by the Gritman Foundation

Award: $500

Eligibility: Applicants must be graduating high school seniors and must have participated in the Junior Volunteer program. The scholarship recognizes students who show outstanding academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills as Junior Volunteers.

History: Established by Kara Besst, President and CEO at Gritman Medical Center, and her husband, Tim, in appreciation of the Junior Volunteer program.

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Idaho Rural Medicine Scholarship (WWAMI Medical Education)

We are proud to offer the following Idaho Rural Medicine Scholarship opportunities:

  • Dr. Francis K. Spain Idaho Rural Medicine Scholarship
  • Roy H. Goetschel, Jr., Ph.D. Idaho Rural Medicine Scholarship
  • Dr. James M. Lyle Idaho Rural Medicine Award

Award: Varies, depending on funds available.

Eligibility: Applicants must be medical students with an interest in practicing medicine in rural and underserved areas. Eligibility for both new and renewed scholarships will be based on the following criteria: 1) submission of the Idaho Rural Medicine Scholarship form, 2) good academic standing, 3) financial need as determined by the University of Washington School of Medicine Financial Aid Office. Additional consideration will be given to eligible students who have ties or interest in Latah County and/or have an interest in practicing medicine in Latah County after completing their medical training.

Apply

Midge Presol Medical Scholarship

Award: Varies, depending on funds available.

Eligibility: Any current graduate or undergraduate student attending an accredited institution of higher learning in Latah, Nez Perce, Whitman or Asotin counties, and already pursuing a degree in the health care field with a 3.0 grade point average.

History: Named for Midge Presol, who served as Gritman’s director of nursing from 1982 until her death in 1999. She was an advocate of nursing education and known for encouraging her staff to always improve their skills.

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Chanda Morris Memorial Scholarship

Award: Varies, depending on funds available.

Eligibility: Applicants must be graduating high school seniors and must have participated in the Junior Volunteer program. They must also have contributed a minimum of 40 hours to the program. Applicants do not need to be pursuing a degree in health care.

History: This scholarship was established in memory of Chanda Morris, a Gritman Junior Volunteer, who died in an auto accident in 1991. She was named Gritman Junior Volunteer of the Year in 1991 after volunteering for more than two years and contributing 331 hours. While attending Troy High School, she served as secretary and president of the Gritman Junior Volunteer Council.

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Maurine Cherrington Scholarship

Award: Up to $1,000

Eligibility: Applicant must be graduating high school senior, college freshmen, or first-year health care students from Latah County who shows outstanding achievements in areas of academics, fine arts, athletics, school activities and/or community service. A minimum current grade point average of 3.0 is required.

History: Maurine Cherrington was a longtime Gritman supporter and charter member of the Gritman Auxiliary. Her appreciation for the hospital and its programs continues through our scholarship programs.

Apply

Sheryl M. (Washburn) and Buddy L. Carter Nursing Scholarship

Award: Annual scholarship totaling $2,000.

Length of scholarship: One academic year.

Eligibility:

  • Accepted in an advanced nursing degree program (MSN, doctorate, etc.) and actively taking nursing courses; 2nd-degree entry-level nursing students not eligible.
  • Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
  • At least half-time GMC employee in nursing position or position that supports nursing staff.
  • Interest in continuing employment at GMC following degree completion.

History: Sheryl Washburn was Chief Nursing Officer at Gritman Medical Center from 2005-08 and 2013 until her retirement in 2017. Sheryl graduated from Idaho State University in 1973 with her BSN and from Seattle Pacific University in 1993 with her MSN. She had a passion for rural health care and rural nursing. She was especially interested in supporting nursing staff to seek advanced nursing degrees and subsequently become nursing leaders in rural health care settings. Sheryl loved 1:1 mentoring of novice nursing leaders and was elated as they grew into their roles and became role models and mentors for their staff. Read more about Sheryl.

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