Mission Health is accepting applications from throughout the community for the Kesha Young Health Careers Scholarship, with the aim of making college more affordable for high school seniors and college students of color from Western North Carolina who are pursuing careers in healthcare. Scholarship amounts vary from year to year depending on the strength of that years’ applicant pool, but can range from $1,000- $2,500. Who is Kesha Young? The scholarship is named in honor of Kesha Young, a 22-year-old, bi-racial woman who was born with mental and physical disabilities and underwent multiple surgeries at Mission Hospital. Kesha died just months before she was scheduled to earn her high school diploma. Despite her health struggles, Kesha was described by her adoptive parents as embodying the characteristics that are vital to how healthcare team members engage with patients, families and visitors, with a strong spirit, warm smile and positive encouragement. Application Information Scholarship eligibility criteria and full application instructions are available here. The completed application, along with all additional materials, must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 14th, 2023 for consideration. Winners will be notified in early May and invited to a reception at Mission Hospital in early June. Anyone who meets the scholarship qualifications and reside in the 18 westernmost counties of North Carolina are invited to apply. .