Wednesday, February 4, 2009

EQL Creates New Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Elder Quality of Life Committee (EQL) of the Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation (SGCEDC) Summit Task Groups has launched its newest project, a nursing scholarship fund for Gila Community College students in the registered nurse program.

“One of our goals is to help address the critical nursing shortage in southern Gila County,” said Yvonne Lees, chairwoman of the EQL. “This scholarship fund is the ideal vehicle with which we can help do that.”

The fund will generate directed scholarships and will be financially managed by the Pinal Mountain Foundation for Higher Education (PMFHE), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation chartered to help raise money for students of Gila Community College San Carlos and Pueblo Campuses. “We are thrilled to be associated with this scholarship fund,” said Jerry McCreary, Vice president of the PMFHE. “The partnership between the EQL and the PMFHE will help Gila College nursing students for generations.”

Members of the Elder Quality of Life Committee include Chairwoman Lees, Pat Yarger, Joanne Zache, Franceen Benton, Lisa Branson, Chris Martin, JoEllen Davis, Paula Mitchell, and Ramona Noline.

More than $1000 has already been contributed to the fund and the EQL is planning more activities to raise money for nursing scholarships. To contribute to the nursing scholarship fund, please contact the Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation, 1360 North Broad Street in Globe or call (928) 425-4495.