Washington Hospital Service League Offers Academic Scholarships

The Washington Hospital Service League has been in existence for 68 years—longer than the Hospital itself. During that time, countless community members have been introduced to Washington Hospital through the efforts of these volunteers. In addition to hours donated at the Hospital, the Service League contributes to the youth of the area through educational and scholarship opportunities.

The Service League’s scholarship program has awarded nearly $383,905 in scholarships since its establishment in 1961. The first scholarship of $150 was awarded to a nursing student training at Highland Hospital in Oakland.

Today, the Service League grants two $1,000 scholarships annually, which are renewable for three additional years, based on the student’s academic performance and continued focus on health care. A one-time scholarship of $1,000 for a Washington Hospital volunteer is also awarded. This year, the Service League will also offer three memorial scholarships of $1,000.

These scholarships are available to students in the Washington Township Health Care District—which includes Fremont, Newark, Union City, and parts of South Hayward and unincorporated Sunol—who are pursuing studies in a health-related field. Students who currently volunteer at Washington Hospital are also eligible. The scholarships are awarded each year to graduating high school seniors and/or current college students.

By providing scholarships, the Service League hopes to help students with their education and career goals, and in turn, hope they may someday be able to give back to the community by providing health care. Service League Scholarship Chair Dian Zarzycki notes the pleasure they receive by giving assistance and support to budding doctors, nurses and other health care professionals in the local community.

Qualifications for the Washington Hospital Service League scholarship include:

• U.S. citizen/permanent resident.

• Resident of the Washington Township Health Care District or be a current volunteer at Washington Hospital.

• Age 22 or younger as of December 31, 2024.

• Accepted into an accredited school, college, or university offering a bachelor's or higher degree in a health-related field.

• Full-time student, able to provide required transcripts.

• Contributor to the community with at least 100 hours of volunteer service or working in a health-related field.

• Three letters of recommendation from the Director of Volunteer Services, employer, counselor/advisor, or teacher.

• Not have been previously awarded a WHSL health career scholarship (see application for detailed requirements).

Application deadline is Monday, April 1, 2024. Applications can be found online at https://www.whhs.com/about-us/community-connection/scholarship-opportunities/ or picked up at the main desk in the Hospital lobby at 2000 Mowry Ave.