Meet Melanie Francis! NPC Friends & Family's Student of the Month
A brand-new "In the Service of Health Scholarship" was established in October 2023 by the White Mountain Commissioned Officers Association of the US Public Health Service. The scholarship, which provides the awardee with $2,000 per year ($1,000 per semester) is open to Native American students, enrolled in any healthcare-related degree program. Applicants must be registered for a minimum of six credits during the semester of award, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
The inaugural winner of the In the Service of Health Scholarship for Academic Year 2023-2024 is Melanie Francis. She was inspired in her degree program to follow in the footsteps of her older brother, who is a Medical Assistant, after job shadowing him. In her winning scholarship essay, Melanie wrote, “I thought it would be boring, and he would end up taking me to sit in his office for the rest of the day. To my surprise, it was very eventful to say the least! I saw him perform phlebotomy, suture a wound, do charting, take vital signs, and transcribe for his doctor. I could not believe all the things he managed to do in such little time. He was constantly moving and talking to someone else. I knew then I wanted to follow suit and become a medical assistant.”
Melanie was highly recommended by two of her instructors for the prestigious award. Her dedication and determination are evidenced by the fact that she travels almost 700 miles each week, from her home near Chinle, to the Little Colorado Campus in Winslow for classes. Melanie will complete the requirements for the Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Assisting this May. She plans to go to work in her chosen field right away, but she also plans to continue her education in the medical field. I am deeply grateful to the White Mountain Commissioned Officers for establishing this valuable scholarship, and delighted to see it go to a student like Melanie!
NPC Friends and Family is organized exclusively to support the mission and goals of Northland Pioneer College through the advancement of college programs and services, the establishment and growth of student scholarships, and the positive promotion of NPC.
NPC Friends & Family Inc. raises, invests, and distributes funds for the benefit of Northland Pioneer College and its students. We invite you to support one of our scholarships, give to the Eagle Fund, establish your own scholarship, or sponsor a special event or program. NPC Friends & Family Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. It is through generous donors like you that allow NPC students to reach their full potential. Your gift can change a student's life.
NPC students are succeeding in spite of all the odds. Many are the first generation in their families to attend college. Lots of adults are coming back to school while coping with the responsibilities of caring for children or elderly parents. Most have incredible financial need and they succeed because of the scholarships made possible, and sustained, by generous people like you!