Sanford Health is providing a boost to five individuals to further their education in health care.
The Sanford Health Equity in Education Scholarship is a targeted financial scholarship program aimed at providing $5,000 in financial assistance for underrepresented and traditionally underserved populations seeking higher education.
Applicants must be one of the following:
- First-generation American
- First-generation college student
- Non-traditional student aged 25 years old or older
Applicants must also:
- Maintain GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Be pursuing a degree as a full-time student (as determined by the institution)
- Attend a public or private U.S.-based accredited institution of higher education
- Have at least one full year of school remaining
Meet this year’s recipients:
Avery Anderson, nursing student
Avery Anderson has a vision for her future, guided by her strong work ethic and joy for learning.
The Bemidji State University nursing student works as a personal care assistant and certified nursing assistant at the Sanford ENT (ear, nose and throat) clinic in Bemidji. Prior to that, she worked in senior living and memory care at Sanford Health WoodsEdge in Minnesota.
Photo by Sanford Health
“One of my favorite parts of the job is simply getting to talk with patients and learn about their lives,” Anderson said. “I truly believe those small conversations can make a big difference in helping patients feel more comfortable and cared for.”
Anderson has supported herself through school by working multiple jobs and applying for scholarships. She believes that if she truly wants something, she’ll keep working until she gets it. She said the Equity in Education Scholarship not only offers financial support, but it also helps to validate the work she has put into building a stable future.
“This scholarship means a lot to me because it shows support for the hard work I have been putting into my education and future career,” Anderson said. “It reminds me that all the effort I’ve been putting in matters, and it encourages me to keep pushing forward and working toward my goal of becoming a nurse.”
Arya Dhungel, health science student
Arya Dhungel is working on fulfilling a lifelong dream of a career in health care, using her own medical history as a blueprint for patient care.
An international student from Nepal, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health science at the University of South Dakota.
“From a young age, I dreamed of working in health care and helping people improve their health and well-being,” said Dhungel, who is hard of hearing and has used a cochlear implant for most of her life. “As someone who has grown up with hearing loss, I enjoy encouraging and supporting other students with disabilities, reminding them that they can succeed in health care or any field they are passionate about.”
Dhungel has also strived to support herself financially by working as a medication aide and resident assistant with Sanford Health in Vermillion, strengthening her passion for compassionate, patient-centered care. This scholarship has provided the opportunity to focus on her studies and achieving her long-term goal of becoming a pharmacist.
“This scholarship represents recognition of the challenges I have overcome and the dedication I have put into my education,” she said. “It motivates me to continue serving others with compassion and commitment in my future career.”
Carly Janssen, nursing student
Growing up on a farm, Carly Janssen recognizes the importance of hard work.
Between balancing education, clinical work and volunteer activities, she has learned how to juggle different levels of responsibility.
Photo by Sanford Health
“Farming often teaches you that things don’t always go as planned, but you have to stay resilient, adapt and keep moving forward,” she said.
As a certified nursing assistant at Good Samaritan Society – Manson in Iowa, Janssen applies that approach to providing high-quality care for residents through daily activities and support.
“My favorite part about being a CNA is building relationships with each of the residents and truly getting to know them and their individual needs,” she said. “Those connections are what make the job so meaningful to me.”
Janssen attends Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, where she’s studying for a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She hopes to use her knowledge and experience to serve her community with compassion and dedication.
“Knowing that people are willing to invest in my education motivates me to continue working hard and striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” she said. “It reminds me that the work I am putting into my education and career truly matters.”
Taylor Silbernagel, nursing student
A single mother who grew up on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, Taylor Silbernagel has spent the last 15 years building a better life for herself and her daughter.
Photo by Sanford Health
Silbernagel became pregnant shortly after graduating high school in 2010, earned her associate’s degree in nursing in 2015 and has been a licensed practical nurse at the Sanford State Street Clinic in Bismarck, North Dakota, for more than a decade.
“I’ve been a single parent since just before my daughter’s second birthday. Now that she’s older, I finally felt ready to accomplish my goal of becoming a registered nurse,” she said.
Silbernagel is working toward a nursing degree at Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, Minnesota, but school has meant less time for working. Juggling education, multiple jobs and busy schedules has meant a challenging and rewarding stretch for her and her daughter.
Silbernagel said she is thankful for the support and encouragement from her Sanford family, adding that the scholarship has lifted a weight off her shoulders.
“It means more time home with my daughter, even if that means we’re sitting together doing homework listening to podcasts or music we both enjoy,” she said. “I will forever be grateful having received this scholarship.”
Madi Towers, nursing student
Madi Towers has always known she wants to work in a setting that demands her best and where she can make a difference in patients’ lives.
Photo by Sanford Health
The University of North Dakota student is an intern in the neurological intensive care unit at Sanford Health in Fargo while she pursues her bachelor’s degree in nursing. The opportunity has provided hands-on experience in caring for critically ill patients alongside a skilled and caring team of nurses in a fast-paced environment.
“It’s been one of the most impactful parts of my education and has confirmed that I want to pursue a career in critical care,” said Towers, who helps with patient care and has been able to observe complex procedures while building her clinical judgement.
Fulfilling her passion for critical care and neurology requires dedication and focus. For Towers, this scholarship lifted a financial cloud and allowed her to devote her attention to her work and her education.
“Nursing school is demanding, and being able to worry less about finances means I can fully invest in becoming the best nurse I can be,” she said. “It also motivates me to continue working hard and to give back to others in the future.”
Learn more
- CNA, mom of 4 goes back to school with help from work
- Once-homeless student will graduate with nursing degree
- Bismarck nurse uses fellowship to improve patient care
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Posted In Bemidji, Bismarck, Fargo, Nursing and Nursing Support, People & Culture, Scholarships and Sponsorships, Vermillion
