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. The scholarship donors want to award these scholarships to individuals who wish to 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 2026 scholarship application must be received by March 27, 2026, to be considered. Students can view and complete the 2026 online scholarship application here.

Below is a list of the available scholarships:

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 CCH employees and their children or grandchildren. 

High School Student scholarship – The CCH High School Student scholarship was established in 2008 to support development of our area youth. $300 will be awarded to a qualified high school student taking a C N A or other entry level healthcare 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 CCH employees and their children or grandchildren, or to applicants with demonstrated financial need. In all cases, applicants must demonstrate excellence in their duties.

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. Applicants must be CCH hospital employees or the children or grandchildren of CCH employees. Preference will be given to those with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing nursing and who demonstrate excellence in their duties. 

The George Prochaska scholarship – The family of the late George Prochaska established this scholarship in 2006 to recognize educational achievement. It awards one or two $500 scholarships to recognize CCH employees or their children who are studying in a field designed to enhance the mission of CCH. Applicants must be CCH hospital employees or the children or grandchildren of CCH employees. Preference will be given to those with demonstrated financial need and who demonstrate excellence in their duties.

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. Applicants must be CCH hospital employees or the children or grandchildren of CCH employees. Preference will be given to those with demonstrated financial need who are pursuing Radiology. In accordance with the scholarship’s established purpose, the selection committee will give preference to employees of the CCH radiology department and those who demonstrate excellence in their duties. 

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 and/or who demonstrate Spanish language proficiency that supports patient care and community service.

Charles and Myrna Meyer memorial scholarship endowment – The children of Charles and Myrna Meyer established this scholarship in 2019. It awards $500 to one or two students enrolled in any medical education training. The selection committee will give preference to those with demonstrated financial hardship. 

Robert and Verdella Emerson scholarship endowment fund – The Robert and Verdella Emerson Scholarship was established in 2019 by Robert and Verdella Emerson. $500 will be awarded to one or two students who are enrolled in any medical educational training. Preference will be given to those demonstrating financial hardship. 

Richard and Judy Temme scholarship – The Richard and Judy Temme Scholarship was established in 2021. $500.00 will be awarded to recognize the educational achievement of a student who is furthering his/her education in any healthcare field.  

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 health care 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.

Bruce and Susan Odson scholarship – This $500 scholarship was established in 2025 by Bruce Odson to promote educational achievement of a student pursuing a career in health care, with preference given in the field of nursing. The student must be in good academic standing and also in financial need to apply for this scholarship.

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 and education coordinator
Phone: 402-562-3363
Fax: 402-562-4672
mjallen@columbushosp.org