Smith County Memorial Hospital [SCMH] is proud to announce the Summer 2023 Grow Our Own Scholarship recipients. Grow Our Own is a scholarship program to empower our staff to further their education and enhance their skills. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in our employees and promoting their professional growth.
Through the program, funded by donations from the community, eligible employees can apply for scholarships to pursue degrees, certifications, and training programs relevant to their roles and career goals. The scholarships cover tuition fees and related expenses, and recipients are encouraged to share their learnings and insights with their colleagues upon completion.
This cycle’s awardees are Kiley Conaway (Registered Nurse and Specialty Clinic Supervisor), Lori Dennis (Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker and Patient Advocate), and Kai Wolfe (Registered Nurse and Chief Nursing Officer). Kiley Conaway applied for a scholarship to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing because she believes gaining additional skills and knowledge will help her provide a higher standard of patient care. Kiley is grateful for the community’s donations to support this program. She said, “The cost of a college education is a heavy burden, and this scholarship award will help lessen the burden. Thanks to the Grow Our Own scholarship, I am one step closer to being able to achieve my goals. Thank you for investing in my future!”
Kai Wolfe also applied to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. He said, “To have the support of our hospital and community is humbling and motivating. I am excited to further my education and be able to utilize my knowledge at Smith County Memorial Hospital for many years to come.” Lori Dennis will use the Grow Our Own scholarship to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work to become a clinical social worker and provide therapy to patients in need. “I couldn’t be more thankful to SCMH for encouraging me to further my career and pursue my dreams,” said Lori.
“We believe that investing in our employees’ education is a win-win situation,” said Smith County Memorial Hospital’s COO, Sarah Ragsdale. “Our staff will have the opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge that will help them perform better in their jobs and advance their careers, and patients will benefit from their enhanced capabilities.”
The program is open to all full-time employees who have been with SCMH for at least one year. Applications are evaluated based on relevance, feasibility, and impact on the employee’s career and the hospital’s goals. This round’s awardees committed to a two-year service agreement in consideration for each receiving an $8,000 scholarship award.
SCMH is excited to offer Grow Our Own scholarships to our valued employees, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the health of our community. Please visit www.scmhks.org/ways-to-give and select the Grow Our Own fund if you would like to contribute to this scholarship fund.