Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I find a Health Careers Scholarship Program application?
   In February of 2019, applications should be available at your school and at the HPSJ web site: www.hpsj.com/scholarship-program.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the HPSJ Health Careers Scholarship Program?
   Students applying for the Health Careers Scholarship Program must be enrolled in a participating school, demonstrate an interest in pursuing a medical or health care profession (as a doctor, nurse or pharmacist) in the Central Valley, have a need for financial support and show academic excellence, as well as, a dedication to related community service.
3. What schools are participating in the Health Careers Scholarship Program? The following schools are participating for 2019:
   San Joaquin County:
   • San Joaquin Delta College Nursing Program
   • Decision Medicine A Program Of The San Joaquin Medical Society
   • Health Careers Academy High School
   • University of the Pacific, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy

   Stanislaus County:

   • Grace Davis High School Health Careers Academy
   • Modesto Junior College Nursing Program
   • California State University, Stanislaus School of Nursing
4. How do I submit my application for the Health Careers Scholarship Program?
   Applicants have three options for submitting the application materials:
   • Fill out the application online at: hpsj.com/scholarship-program
   • Download the application from hpsj.com/scholarship-program and hand delivered or mail it to: Health Plan of San Joaquin,
     Attn: Salyna Koeut, Health Careers Scholarship Program,
     7751 S. Manthey Road,
     French Camp, CA 95231
   • Download the application from hpsj.com/scholarship-program and hand deliver it to: Health Plan of San Joaquin, Attn: Salyna Koeut, Health Careers Scholarship Program, 7751 S. Manthey Road, French Camp, CA 95231
5. Is it okay if my mailed application is POSTMARKED on the due date?
   No. The application needs to be in our office on the due date.
6. How do I submit my letters of recommendation?
   The letters of recommendation must be submitted by the recommenders via U.S. Postal Service to: Health Plan of San Joaquin, Attn: Salyna Koeut, Health Careers Scholarship Program, 7751 S. Manthey Road, French Camp, CA 95231
7. What is Decision Medicine?
   Decision Medicine (DM) is a two-week program of the San Joaquin Medical Society. DM introduces high school juniors to the field of medicine through personal mentoring opportunities and site visits with behind-the-scenes access to regional hospitals, clinics and public health centers. The program is limited to 24 students who will work in various teams with local physicians in their personal practice.
8. Can students involved in Decision Medicine and another school program, apply through both?
   Yes. High school seniors involved in Decision Medicine and a program through their high school can apply through both programs.
9. Is it okay if my mailed application is POSTMARKED on the due date?
   No. The application needs to be in our office on the due date.
10. How do I submit my letters of recommendation?
    The letters of recommendation must be submitted by the recommenders via U.S. Postal Service to: Health Plan of San Joaquin, Attn: Salyna Koeut, Health Careers Scholarship Program, 7751 S. Manthey Road, French Camp, CA 95231
11. What is Decision Medicine?
    Decision Medicine (DM) is a two-week program of the San Joaquin Medical Society. DM introduces high school juniors to the field of medicine through personal mentoring opportunities and site visits with behind-the-scenes access to regional hospitals, clinics and public health centers. The program is limited to 24 students who will work in various teams with local physicians in their personal practice.
12. Can students involved in Decision Medicine and another school program, apply through both?
    Yes. High school seniors involved in Decision Medicine and a program through their high school can apply through both programs.
13. Am I eligible to apply, if I do not meet the financial need requirement?
    Yes. All applicants who meet the basic requirements for the Scholarship are encouraged to apply. However, special consideration is given to students who demonstrate financial need.
14. What proof of financial need can I submit?
    A copy of your or your parent’s W-2 form or your FAFSA is sufficient proof.
15. Can I still receive the scholarship if I decide to attend a different college participating in the Health Careers Scholarship Program?
    Although, we understand that life events happen, we cannot guarantee that the scholarship money will be rerouted to your new school. After HPSJ disburses the scholarship funds, it is your responsibility to resolve this issue with your school’s Financial Aid Office.
16. Can I apply for the scholarship if I am going to attend one of the schools participating in the Health Careers Scholarship Program, but I am not a U.S. Citizen?
    Yes. You may apply for the scholarship as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
17. Are there restrictions on how the scholarship can be spent?
    No. There are no restrictions on how the scholarship can be spent. However, the purpose of the scholarship is to help the student with tuition and student-related fees such as, books, school supplies, groceries, housing and related living expenses.
18. If I am not awarded a scholarship this year, can I reapply next year?
    No. You may only apply for the Health Careers Scholarship Program if you are a graduating senior in 2019 or are in your first year of college as a full-time or full load student with a minimum of 12 units.
19. If I am awarded a scholarship this year, can I reapply next year for another one?
    No. You cannot reapply for the scholarship that is offered to first-year students. However, you may apply for the Health Careers Scholarship Program for Continuing Education at an amount of $1,000. Please note that the amount is subject to the availability of future funding.
20. If I am awarded a scholarship, when can I expect to receive it?
    HPSJ will send the scholarship check directly to your school’s Financial Aid Office at the beginning of the school year.
21. How is the scholarship money disbursed?
    The scholarship money is disbursed as a one-time payment at the beginning of the school year.
22. Will HPSJ post the names of the awardees?
    Yes. HPSJ will post the names of the awardees on the www.hpsj.com/scholarship-program website. All applicants will also receive a letter from HPSJ. 
23. Are you an HPSJ member? Answering this question is optional and will not be a determining factor in receiving the HPSJ Health Career Scholarship.  All application will be reviewed in the same manner.  If you are an HPSJ member and mark yes, we may reserve the right to forward your application to be considered for the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) scholarship which is only open to Health Plan members.
24. Who do I contact regarding questions about the Health Careers Scholarship Program or my application submission?
    For questions about the Health Careers Scholarship Program, please email scholarships@hpsj.com.