KOSCIUSKO — K21 Health Foundation announces the continued funding of the Questa Education Foundation to financially support Kosciusko County graduating high school seniors who will be majoring in health care related fields. This 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 2018. 

The goal of the Questa Scholar program is to help individuals pursue further education, complete that education with less debt and retain talent in our region. The applications are now available in phase one for those individuals who have already received early admission from northeast Indiana colleges and universities that are one of the eight Questa partner institutions. A second phase will begin March 1, for all eligible students.All applicants can submit their application online at Questafoundation.org. 

The K21- Questa scholars 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 not due until after the scholar graduates and can be deferred if they 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 the regional partner institutions in the northeast region. If the scholar attends and graduates from one of the partner institutions, an additional 25 percent is forgiven for a total of 75 percent forgiveness. This means that a student can reduce what is owed to $5,000. 

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 May 1.