Questa Education Foundation is accepting applications for the K21-Questa Scholar Program until Mar. 15, 2020.

FORT WAYNE — Questa Education Foundation, with the K21 Health Foundation, announced the continued funding of the K21-Questa Scholar program.

The program financially supports graduating high school seniors from Kosciusko County who will be majoring in healthcare-related fields. Annual funding is available for up to five qualified students that are residents of Kosciusko County and plan to attend an Indiana college or university beginning fall of 2020, said a news release from Questa Education Foundation.

“Since 2011, Questa has assisted 36 scholars from Kosciusko County within the assistance of the K21 Health Foundation,” said Questa Executive Director Marc R. Levy.

The K21-Questa scholars that received this funding in the past are currently completing an undergraduate degree or pursuing a graduate degree in fields such as nursing, biology, pre-med, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pre-pharmacy, dental hygiene and other health care programs.

These students are eligible for funding that helps address a financial gap in their pursuit of further education. If chosen, a Questa scholar can have access to up to $5,000 a year for four years resulting in up to a total of a $20,000 loan. The interest is a fixed low-interest rate. Students will not be sent into repayment until after they graduate. The loan can be deferred if students go on for graduate work.

Upon graduation, if the student lives and works in northeast Indiana for five years, half of the loan is forgiven. Additional incentives are provided for those who choose to attend one of Questa’s partner institutions in the Northeast Indiana region. If the scholar attends and graduates from one of the partner institutions, an additional 25% is forgiven for a total of 75% forgiveness. This means that a student can reduce what is owed to $5,000, said the news release.

Individuals interested in being considered for these funds can find additional information and apply by going directly to www.questafoundation.org or calling Questa Education Foundation at (260) 407-6494.  Applications will be accepted until Mar. 15, 2020.

Contact Jana Grothaus for questions about the program and how to apply at [email protected]. For questions about K21 funding, contact Marc R. Levy at (260) 407-6494 ext. 105.