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Vallejo’s Touro University awarded more than $2 million in federal scholarship grants

July 27, 2016
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By Rachel Raskin Zrihen

More than 40 underprivileged students will benefit from more than $2 million in scholarships to Vallejo’s Touro University over then next four years, Rep. Mike Thompson announced Tuesday. Thompson (D-St. Helena) announced a $630,000 Health Resource and Service Administration grant to fund scholarships for Touro University students at the Mare Island campus each year for four years — a total of $2.52 million.

The funding will be used to provide scholarships for 42 students through Touro’s Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program, he said.

Each year, 21 students — seven in each class — will get $30,000 — 14 students will receive one scholarship, 14 will receive one per year for two years and 14 will get scholarship funding for all three years, according to the announcement.

“Every student deserves a fair shot at fulfilling their academic goals and achieving their dreams, regardless of economic status or any other factor,” Thompson said. “I look forward to seeing students at Touro University benefit from this federal funding in the years to come. I’ve no doubt they will go on to do great work armed with their first-rate education.”

The first 21 scholarships, for $30,000 each, will be awarded next month, officials said.

Marilyn Hopkins, Touro University California provost and chief operating officer, said being awarded the scholarship grant is a major accomplishment.

“Receiving this scholarship ... is a realization of (school officials’) values, passion and perseverance,” she said. “It will allow us to further demonstrate our commitment to the underserved community and allow new students the opportunity to pursue a professional career.”

Grace Landel, Touro California’s joint Masters of Physician Assistant Studies/Master of Public Health program director said she’s “thrilled” about the new scholarships.

“Our mission here at Touro is to train quality PAs to work within underserved populations, to recruit applicants from these communities or individuals with a demonstrated interest in serving these communities, and increase access to care for underserved populations,” she said. “These scholarship funds will have a tremendous impact on furthering that goal.”

With this funding, the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program aims to increase the:

• Number of Touro graduates practicing in primary care;

• Enrollment and retention of full-time students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including students who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups;

• Number of Touro graduates providing medical care within medically underserved communities.

Issues:Education