More doors are opening for students in health science programs at College of Western Idaho (CWI). The CWI Foundation received a $2,000 grant from the John William Jackson Fund (JWJF). The grant, which was awarded through the Idaho Community Foundation (ICF), will be used to support four $500 scholarships.

The JWJF was created in 2000. It is named in honor of Meridian, Idaho native John Jackson; a Centennial High School and Georgetown University graduate. Jackson was conducting graduate research at the University of Montana when he died in a climbing accident in Central Asia. The Fund awards projects that support education, the performing arts, and outdoor sports for Idaho youth.

“The JWJF is dedicated to providing academic opportunities to Idaho students who show a strong potential for being integral members of our communities,” Virgi Blaine, the Fund’s Vice President of Community Relations, said. “CWI makes higher education accessible and provides fundamental instruction for students to succeed. We are proud to support CWI, its staff and its students as we work to advance academic excellence in Idaho.”

The scholarships will be available to full-time, second-year students with a 3.0 or higher grade point average who are able to demonstrate that they would not be able to attend college without financial assistance. Students in the following health science fields who meet the requirements will be eligible to apply;

• All areas of nursing (pre-, practical, registered)
• All areas of surgical technology
• All areas of dental assisting
• Medical (assistant and administrative support)
• Pre-pharmacy
• Physical therapy
• Biology – Healthcare

The scholarship application period begins February 1. Once awarded, the scholarships will be disbursed in $250 increments for the Fall and Spring semesters.