1. 1 PacifiCare Latino Health Scholars Program Encouraging Bilingual Students to Select the Health Professions

2. 2 Severe underrepresentation of Latinos and Spanish- speakers in the health professions including medicine, nursing and allied health Growth of the Latino population in the United States requires training and recruitment of an ever-greater number of bilingual and bicultural professionals Latinos & Health Professions

3. 3 Health Care Career Opportunities Health care is a fast and growing field with a high demand for bilingual professionals An expedited curriculum allows you to learn the necessary skills to enter the job market quickly Potential to earn between $19,000 - $42,000/ annually after graduation Medical careers often allow for flexibility in work schedules The national vacancy rate for RNs is 11% which is an extreme shortage. The demand for bilingual nurses and doctors is a high due to the increasing population of Latinos in the U.S.

4. 4 Latinos & Health Professions Shortage results in a negative impact on the delivery of health care services to the Latino community Communities need culturally competent and culturally sensitive professionals in all disciplines to address their needs with appropriate programs and services. Need for health professionals is outpacing the number of Latino physicians entering the healthcare system Bilingual, mid-level and ancillary professionals can support physician shortage

5. 5 Problems and Challenges Underrepresentation of Latinos in the educational pipeline of the health professions Lack of adequate mechanisms for identifying, recruiting, retaining and promoting Latinos in health and science professions Underfunding for Latinos in health & science education programs

6. 6 Key Strategies Promote the advancement of Latinos into the health professions Disseminate information on financial assistance, such as scholarships Support and encourage Latino and Spanish-speaking students to pursue careers in the health professions through community outreach efforts Note to school districts: In selected areas PacifiCare may have representatives available to provide an in-service on the advantage of careers in healthcare. You may also post our link on you web-sites so that students can more easily access the application and other information available to them

7. 7 Latino Health Scholars Program PacifiCare will grant (70) scholarships of $2,000 each to high school seniors Requirements: –Minimum 3.0 GPA (B average) –Must have applied full-time to an accredited university, community college or technical school in a health care program –Must speak Spanish fluently –Demonstrate commitment to a career in the health care field –To receive funds, you must provide proof of acceptance to an accredited college –You must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or residency Note to applicants: It is not a requirement to be Latino in order to qualify for a scholarship, however, you must have the ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish.

8. 8 Latino Health Scholars Program Freedom Award In addition to the 70 $2,000 scholarships in 2005 we will be awarding two $25,000 “Freedom Award” scholarships in honor of U.S. Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta, who lost his life while saving the lives of 5 other soldiers in Iraq. These awards will go to the two most deserving bilingual and bicultural students dedicated to pursuing careers in health care.

9. 9 Application Process If the applicant meets the requirements, he/she must submit 2 copies of the following materials: –Typed, completed and signed application form. –Transcripts from high school with cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above or minimum “B” average or better. –Letter of recommendation from high school teacher or advisor –Typed bilingual personal statement of not more than 2 pages describing your personal and academic accomplishments, community involvement, volunteer and leadership activities, academic plans and the reason you want a career in the health care field. (The same essay must be written twice. Once in English and the second in Spanish). –Copy of permanent resident card (if applicable) Application deadline: May 31, 2005

10. 10 Approved Health Career Programs Programs may include, but are not limited to: –Nursing (RN, LVN) –Medical Interpretation –Health Claims Examiner –Health Information Technology Programs –Pharmacy Technician –Public Health –Psychology –Pre-Med

11. 11 Summary YOU are in demand! The opportunity for YOU to be a part of the health care industry is readily available! Make a difference in someone’s life by working as a health professional If you qualify, apply for the Latino Health Scholars program

12. 12 “Preocuparnos por su salud es importante, y hacer algo al respecto es aún mejor” Caring is good. Doing something is better.