Sutter Health Program Awards Millions in Scholarships to Help California Students Reach College Dream

Sutter Scholars Program Helps Bridge Growing Financial Gap for Education

SACRAMENTO, Calif., September 26, 2005 – Danielle Hess always dreamed of going to college but the rising costs of education threatened to push that dream out of reach. This fall, Danielle's dream will become reality thanks in part to a major scholarship award.

"Education has always been a main focus for Danielle. Our family feels extremely grateful that Sutter Health is helping to fulfill her goal of earning a double major in Political Science and Philosophy," said Danielle's grandmother, Shelia Johnson, patient service representative for Sutter Medical Foundation in Sacramento.

Danielle is just one of 552 California students who are pursuing their educational dreams this fall thanks to the help of Sutter Health, a family of not-for-profit hospitals and physician organizations serving more than 100 communities in Northern California. Through two foundations, Sutter has awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships to achieving students who are the children and grandchildren of employees across its network.

"We are committed to helping students who otherwise might not be able to attend college," said Patrick Fry president and CEO of Sutter Health. "Providing our employees with this special opportunity is where we've started," he added.

Average undergraduate fees jumped 50 percent at California State University campuses and 58 percent at University of California between fall 2002 and fall 2005, according to recent reports.

"Sutter Health is dedicated to helping the children of our employees go to college and over the past three years we have awarded more than $2.7 million in scholarships to ensure their educational dreams come true," concluded Fry.

About Sutter Scholars
The Sutter Scholars program, which was established in 2003, annually awards educational grants to achieving students. Awards vary amounts based on need and competitive review. In 2005:

• Scholarships ranged from $500 up to $4,000 per student
• Average award is $1,800
• More than $1.1 million handed-out to 552 students
• With expectations that the Sutter Scholars program will continue for years to come, Sutter Health has contributed $7 million to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and the San Francisco Foundation for program administration.

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Media Contact
Karen Garner
Communications Manager
(916) 286-8297
garnerk@sutterhealth.org

Questions About Eligibility or How to Apply?
Sutter Scholars message line, 800-500-0114

Email: sutterscholars@sacregcf.org
All questions will be answered within two business days.