OPTUM Ireland has launched a series of Northwest Health care scholarships in partnership with LYIT, University of Ulster Magee and National University of Ireland Galway.
The scheme has been designed to support young people in Donegal, particularly those who are less advantaged, to access third-level education by providing three general healthcare scholarships across LYIT and Ulster University.
It also aims to support Professional Healthcare Scholarships (doctors, dentists etc) designed to incentivise professional healthcare courses through two professional healthcare scholarships in partnership with NUIG and University of Ulster Coleraine.
The launch took place at Glenveagh Castle on Monday with representatives of the 27 secondary schools across Donegal in attendance.
A spokesman for Optum Ireland said the company aims to support the enhancement of the healthcare system in the Donegal region and invest in a 21st century health workforce that meets the needs of tomorrow.
“Optum has a diverse work-force and wishes to promote diversity in higher education by supporting young people from less advantaged and non-traditional backgrounds,” said the spokesperson.
In line with the Company’s mission, the scheme will support and enhance the healthcare infrastructure in the North-West.
The scheme will provide valuable information on healthcare courses and career pathways in the region and will provide assistance to careers’ guidance counsellors in the secondary school sector in County Donegal as well as students, parents/guardians and statutory agencies (ETB, Donegal Youth Services, Muintearas and community organisations).
The scheme is aligned with regional and national strategies to develop the infrastructure of the region.
The scheme, which opened for applications from March 4 will close on May 4.