Scholarships

The Columbus Community Hospital Foundation and several generous donors fund a number of scholarships. These scholarships enable hospital staff and students in the medical field to pursue additional education. Scholarship applicants must be accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited program of a recognized healthcare school. Applicants must be residents of, or attending school, in the Columbus area and have at least a 2.50 grade point average. It is the intent of the scholarship donors to award these scholarships to highly qualified individuals who have a desire to use their abilities to further serve the health care needs of the Columbus Community Hospital service area. Applicants will ideally make themselves available to work at the Columbus Community Hospital as school workload permits. A completed 2024 scholarship application must be received by March 29, 2024 to be considered. Students can view and complete the 2024 online scholarship application here.

Below is a list of the available scholarships:

The CCH Foundation scholarship: The CCH Foundation established this scholarship in 2017. It awards $500 to a qualified student furthering their education in any health care field. The selection committee will give preference to a CCH employee or the child or grandchild of any employee.

High school student scholarship: The CCH high school student scholarship was established in 2008 to support the development of area youth. It awards $300 to a qualified high school student taking a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or other entry-level health care course.

Dallmont J. and Bernadine Erickson memorial scholarship fund: The daughter of Dallmont J. and Bernadine Erickson established this scholarship in 2014. It awards $500 to a student in educational training in any area of nursing. The selection committee will give preference to a CCH employee or child or grandchild of an employee.

The William and Barbara Gerhold scholarship – Longtime Columbus residents Barbara and William Gerhold established this scholarship in 2006. It awards $500 to a qualified student to help foster educational achievement and service excellence. The selection committee will give preference to CCH employees and children of employees who are pursuing careers in the nursing field.

The George Prochaska scholarship – The family of the late George Prochaska established this scholarship in 2006 to recognize educational achievement. It awards two $500 scholarships to recognize CCH employees or their children who are studying in a field designed to enhance the mission of CCH.

Eagles scholarship – The Fraternal Order of Eagles #1834 Aerie & Auxiliary established this scholarship in 2006 to recognize academic achievement. It awards $1,000 to a CCH employee currently enrolled in a health care educational course. The selection committee will give preference to employees of the CCH radiology department.

HDR scholarship – Dennis Hirschbrunner established the HDR scholarship in 2003 to help students at Central Community College – Columbus Campus. It awards $500 to a student pursuing a career in health care. The selection committee will give preference to a student who plans to attend Central Community College – Columbus Campus.

Charles and Myrna Meyer memorial scholarship endowment – The children of Charles and Myrna Meyer established this scholarship in 2019. It awards $500 to a student enrolled in any medical education training. The selection committee will give preference to those demonstrating financial hardship.

Deb Kessler memorial scholarship – The Deb Kessler Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by Deb’s family to honor her memory. Deb worked at Columbus Community Hospital for 35 years. $500 will be awarded to a student who is pursuing a career in nursing. Preference will be given to a CCH employee or the child of an employee.

Joe Barbaglia memorial scholarship – The Joe Barbaglia scholarship was established in 2023 to recognize educational achievement. It awards two $500 scholarships to two qualified students furthering their education in the area of healthcare finance, information technology or materials management. The selection committee will give preference to an employee or the child or grandchild of an employee at CCH.

Robert and Verdella Emerson scholarship endowment fund – Robert and Verdella Emerson established this scholarship in 2019. It awards $500 to one or two students enrolled in medical educational training. The selection committee will give preference to those demonstrating financial hardship.

Richard and Judy Temme scholarship – The foundation established the Richard and Judy Temme scholarship in 2021. It awards $500 to a student furthering their education in any health care field.

Applicants can send completed forms to: Columbus Community Hospital, Attn: Melinda J. Allen, P.O. Box 1800, Columbus, NE 68602.

Contact us

For more information about the scholarships, please contact:

Melinda J. Allen
Employment & Education Coordinator
Phone: 402-562-3363
Fax: 402-562-4672
mjallen@columbushosp.org