PacifiCare Latino Health Scholars Program

1. PacifiCare Latino Health Scholars Program Encouraging Bilingual Students to Select the Health Professions

2. Latinos & Health Professions • Severe underrepresentation of Latinos and Spanish-speakers in the health professions including medicine, nursing and allied health • Growth of the Latino population in the United States requires training and recruitment of an ever-greater number of bilingual and bicultural professionals

3. Health Care Career Opportunities • Health care is a fast and growing field with a high demand for bilingual professionals • An expedited curriculum allows you to learn the necessary skills to enter the job market quickly • Potential to earn between $19,000 - $42,000/ annually after graduation • Medical careers often allow for flexibility in work schedules • The national vacancy rate for RNs is 11% which is an extreme shortage. • The demand for bilingual nurses and doctors is a high due to the increasing population of Latinos in the U.S.

4. Latinos & Health Professions • Shortage results in a negative impact on the delivery of health care services to the Latino community • Communities need culturally competent and culturally sensitive professionals in all disciplines to address their needs with appropriate programs and services. • Need for health professionals is outpacing the number of Latino physicians entering the healthcare system • Bilingual, mid-level and ancillary professionals can support physician shortage

5. Problems and Challenges • Underrepresentation of Latinos in the educational pipeline of the health professions • Lack of adequate mechanisms for identifying, recruiting, retaining and promoting Latinos in health and science professions • Underfunding for Latinos in health & science education programs

6. Key Strategies • Promote the advancement of Latinos into the health professions • Disseminate information on financial assistance, such as scholarships • Support and encourage Latino and Spanish-speaking students to pursue careers in the health professions through community outreach efforts Note to school districts: In selected areas PacifiCare may have representatives available to provide an in-service on the advantage of careers in healthcare. You may also post our link on you web-sites so that students can more easily access the application and other information available to them

7. Latino Health Scholars Program • PacifiCare will grant (70) scholarships of $2,000 each to high school seniors • Requirements: • Minimum 3.0 GPA (B average) • Must have applied full-time to an accredited university, community college or technical school in a health care program • Must speak Spanish fluently • Demonstrate commitment to a career in the health care field • To receive funds, you must provide proof of acceptance to an accredited college • You must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or residency Note to applicants: It is nota requirement to be Latino in order to qualify for a scholarship, however, you must have the ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish.

8. Latino Health Scholars ProgramFreedom Award In addition to the 70 $2,000 scholarships in 2005 we will be awarding two $25,000 “Freedom Award” scholarships in honor of U.S. Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta, who lost his life while saving the lives of 5 other soldiers in Iraq. These awards will go to the two most deserving bilingual and bicultural students dedicated to pursuing careers in health care.

9. Application Process • If the applicant meets the requirements, he/she must submit 2 copies of the following materials: • Typed, completed and signed application form. • Transcripts from high school with cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above or minimum “B” average or better. • Letter of recommendation from high school teacher or advisor • Typed bilingual personal statement of not more than 2 pages describing your personal and academic accomplishments, community involvement, volunteer and leadership activities, academic plans and the reason you want a career in the health care field. (The same essay must be written twice. Once in English and the second in Spanish). • Copy of permanent resident card (if applicable) • Application deadline: May 31, 2005

10. Approved Health Career Programs • Programs may include, but are not limited to: • Nursing (RN, LVN) • Medical Interpretation • Health Claims Examiner • Health Information Technology Programs • Pharmacy Technician • Public Health • Psychology • Pre-Med

11. Summary • YOU are in demand! • The opportunity for YOU to be a part of the health care industry is readily available! • Make a difference in someone’s life by working as a health professional • If you qualify, apply for the Latino Health Scholars program

12. Caring is good. Doing something is better. “Preocuparnos por su salud es importante, y hacer algo al respecto es aún mejor”