A man in blue scrubs walks in front of the four-story Education Building at the UC Davis School of Medicine

UC Davis scholarship benefits students eager to care for the underserved

Funding campaign hopes to raise $20,000 by April 18

(SACRAMENTO)

Many students come to UC Davis to study medicine or nursing because they’re passionate about the university’s emphasis on training the next generation to care for the underserved. 

But often, the students themselves come from underserved backgrounds, which adds a layer of stress to their rigorous academic experience due to ongoing and new expenses that aren’t covered by financial aid. 

Thankfully, there’s a scholarship to help in these situations. 

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And a new fundraising campaign seeks to raise $20,000 for the fund over the next few weeks. 

The scholarship – Future Healthcare Workers Serving the Underserved Award – was created last year by the School of Medicine’s Office of Student and Resident Diversity (OSRD).  

“Even though the schools offer financial aid, mostly for tuition, many students don’t get help from family, so they struggle financially,” said Olivia Campa, a UC Davis Health internal medicine physician who is also director of the UC Davis Postbaccalaureate Program under OSRD. 

The award benefits students in the School of Medicine, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing and those enrolled in the postbaccalaureate program, which offers a science-focused curriculum and assistance applying to medical school. 

Campa said the scholarship is much needed for students with a range of challenges, including paying to attend medical conferences, tuition, housing and scholarly activities. Students who are undocumented, who aren’t eligible for most aid, also benefit from the scholarship. 

“Many of our students come into medical school very much living under the federal poverty line,” Campa said. “They can’t afford opportunities such as attending conferences which are extremely important for networking, leadership experience and mentoring opportunities.” 

Last year the fund raised $15,000, which included an $11,000 grant from the California Health Care Foundation. 

The funding provided eight scholarships, ranging in amounts from $500 to $5,000. 

Donations are tax deductible. 

Health Sciences Development and Alumni Relations is accepting the donations online through April 18. 

For more information, contact: hs-osrd@ucdavis.edu.