The Golden Valley Health Centers (GVHC) and Golden Valley Health Centers Foundation will award $25,000 in scholarships this summer to five local students pursuing degrees in nursing and health care. Criteria for the selection is based on the application, academic performance and financial need of each applicant. Selections are made by a committee of volunteers from the Health Center and Health Center Foundation’s Board of Directors. Each applicant must submit a letter describing their ultimate career goal and why they want to pursue nursing.

The scholarship program, named after one of the organization’s founding board members, Flora Martinez, is a tribute to the respect she held for the essential care provided by nurses. Martinez served as a GVHC Board Member for 43 years. She believed in the GVHC mission and understood their love and dedication nurses bring to the profession. Upon her passing in 2014, her son promised to continue her legacy, and the Flora R. Martinez Scholarship was created.

“Nursing is a great career, offering life-long learning and life-long employment opportunities. This scholarship program demonstrates our commitment to cultivating a strong workforce from the talent in our own communities. We know the need for skilled nurses is going to continue and hope that these students might consider GVHC when looking for a place to work,’’ said Tony Weber, President & CEO of Golden Valley Health Centers.

Any student from the community health center’s service areas – San Joaquin, Merced and Stanislaus counties – are eligible to apply. Applications are being accepted until April 1, 2023. For more information, email: Foundation@gvhc.org.