Staff Reports | Community Updates
Health Community Impact by Hess III Consulting has launched the Waymond “Lee” Pace Scholarship, a new program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing careers as community health workers, certified nursing assistants and peer support specialists.
The scholarship is named in honor of the late Waymond “Lee” Pace and is intended to help students pursuing health care careers by reducing financial barriers to education and training, according to a press release.
The program is open to high school students, graduates and individuals enrolled in professional certification programs. Preference will be given to applicants who reflect Arizona’s diverse communities and demonstrate a commitment to serving others. Applications for the inaugural scholarship cycle are now open.
“Addressing workforce shortages starts with investing in the people who will become the next generation of health care professionals,” Robert Hess III, founder of Health Community Impact by Hess III Consulting, said. “Community health workers, certified nursing assistants and peer support specialists are often the first connection patients have to care. We hope this scholarship helps remove financial barriers for those pursuing these careers while strengthening the communities they will one day serve.”
The scholarship launches as health care providers continue to face workforce shortages and increasing demand for frontline professionals. Health Community Impact by Hess III Consulting said the program is intended to support future community health workers, certified nursing assistants and peer support specialists while helping expand access to care across Arizona.
“Supporting the frontline workforce is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future of health care,” Mr. Hess said. “These professionals are essential to connecting people with the care and resources they need every day. This scholarship is about creating opportunities for future health care leaders while helping build a stronger, more resilient workforce for Arizona.”
The scholarship was established to honor Mr. Pace’s commitment to service and community investment. Organization officials said the program is intended to help develop the next generation of health care professionals while supporting workforce development efforts across the state.
Health Community Impact by Hess III Consulting plans to continue funding the scholarship through future application cycles as part of its ongoing efforts to support health care workforce development and access to care in Arizona.
