PASADENA, CA – Kaiser Permanente is offering more than $300,000 in scholarships and $1 million in forgiveness loans to high school, college and medical and nursing students to finance their higher education.

“It has been a long practice for Kaiser Permanente to support scholarship programs to meet the needs of students faced with the increasing expense of pursuing their academic goals,” said Benjamin Chu, MD, president of Kaiser Permanente Southern California, based in Pasadena.

Medical/osteopathic students who are entering their third or fourth year of medical school can apply for the Oliver Goldsmith, MD, Scholarship. Applicants must have demonstrated their commitment to diversity through community service, clinical volunteerism, leadership or research. Submission deadline is Friday, Feb. 5.

The scholarship, which totaled $60,000 in 2009, is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of culturally responsive care. Each recipient receives $5,000, mentoring with a Kaiser Permanente clinician and a four- to six-week clinical rotation at a Kaiser Permanente facility.

Kaiser Permanente also partners with colleges and universities to build California’s nursing workforce through career ladder programs, nursing scholarships, grants to colleges and forgivable loans.

The loan forgiveness program guarantees that students who graduate and commit to two years of employment in an acute care Kaiser Permanente hospital will not have to pay back their loans. Students must contact their school’s nursing department to apply for the loan forgiveness program. Eligibility is determined by the school.

"Kaiser Permanente scholarships can help bridge a financial gap today, but there is more," said Diana Bontá, RN, vice president of public affairs for the Kaiser Permanente Southern California region. "As they pursue their career goals, our scholarships can also remind these outstanding students that we believe in them and we are encouraging them to stay strong in their resolve – for themselves, their families and their communities."

More loans are available for high school seniors in southern California.