EDUCATION AWARDS

The Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition Program (ORSRP) 
ORSRP is designed to assist rural communities in “growing their own” health care professionals by matching community funds with state funds to support a student of the community’s choice in a health professional education program.  Half of the student’s educational expenses are contributed by the sponsoring rural community and the remainder is provided by the State Office of Rural Health (SORH). For each year the student receives funds through the program, the student provides a year of health care in the sponsoring rural community.

If you are a rural high school student interested in a career in health care, you should contact local hospitals, clinics and doctor's offices to see if they would be interested in sponsoring you for this program.  A good way to get to know if you are a good fit for the organization is to spend a summer volunteering with them.  Click on the link above for more information about eligibility and requirements for ORSRP.

The Rural Communities Healthcare Investment Program (RCHIP)
RCHIP is designed to attract and retain healthcare professionals in rural communities by providing incentives such as stipends or loan repayment assistance to non-physician healthcare professionals who agree to practice in rural medically underserved areas.  RCHIP awards are competitive and contingent on availability of funds.  RCHIP is designed for clinicians who have completed their degrees.  If you are a college student or recent graduate, click for more information about RCHIP and whether you will qualify based on where you plan to work.  Underserved rural counties need providers and RCHIP rewards those who work in those areas.


EDUCATION AWARDS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

• National Health Service Corps 

National Health Service Corps is a loan repayment program for primary care clinicians working in underserved areas.  To find out if you qualify for the National Health Service Corps Program, contact the Texas Primary Care Office at (512) 458-7518.

• National Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Student loan balances can be forgiven after 120 consecutive on-time payments if you have been working in public service for that period (10 years).  Public service is defined as working for a nonprofit 501c3 organization or for a public entity (i.e. local, state or federal government service).  If you are working in the medical field and your employer does not fit one of the two above categories, you may apply for eligibility to this program on a case-by-case basis.  Please visit the "National Public Service Loan Forgiveness" link above for more information.

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Education Award Links:

• State and Federal Grants and Scholarships 
• Private/Corporate Grants and Scholarships 
• Loan Repayment Programs