Understanding the Parkland Auxiliary Scholarship: Requirements and Opportunities

Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas County is deeply supported by the Parkland Auxiliary, a group of dedicated volunteers. This support extends to various programs, including scholarships. The Auxiliary’s scholarship program specifically assists the children of Parkland employees who are graduating from high school and planning to attend college. One prominent example is the Steffen-Aronoff Auxiliary Scholarship, available to children of full-time Parkland employees who are graduating high school and entering an accredited college, university, technical, vocational, or trade school.

The Enduring Legacy of Parkland Volunteers

Marilyn White, a Parkland volunteer since 1979, exemplifies the dedication of these individuals. Having logged over 23,000 hours, she embodies the spirit of service that defines the Auxiliary. Marilyn's commitment to Parkland and its mission is profound, as she finds joy in serving patients and bringing smiles to their faces. Her volunteer work in the Emergency Department, the busiest in the country, involves assisting staff and patients. Her Hershey’s Kisses, wrapped in Parkland’s signature purple, have become a trademark of her service.

Rosie Steffen, another long-time volunteer since 1989, has also made significant contributions. Her dedication led to the creation of the Steffen-Aronoff Auxiliary Scholarship.

Parkland College: A Hub for Academic and Personal Growth

Parkland College offers a wide range of services and opportunities for students. The Student Union houses most Student Services offices, providing easy access to help for every step of a student's college career. The Union also includes a college cafe and dining area.

Academic Support and Resources

The Learning Commons serves as the center of academic support services at Parkland College. The Parkland Library provides information resources, tools, spaces, and services for student success. The Peer Tutoring Program helps students understand course material, complete assignments, and prepare for tests. Communication faculty offer coaching to improve presentation and communication skills. The Writing Lab provides writing assistance for assignments in any Parkland course. The CTC offers computer courses and skill assistance. Academic development specialists work with students to improve math, reading, study, and writing skills.

New students take placement tests in reading, writing, mathematics, or English as a Second Language. The college also administers certification exams and standardized tests.

Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

Parkland College encourages students to explore the world through study abroad programs. To be eligible, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours, including ENG 101, with a GPA of at least 2.75.

The college offers many extracurricular activities, including Student Government, student trustee positions, and the Images literary and visual fine arts magazine.

Parkland College intercollegiate athletics provides opportunities for students to participate in state, regional, and national levels of competition as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA-Div. Intramural activities are also available for all Parkland students and staff.

Support Services

Students with disabilities can register with Accessibility Services for academic accommodations. Adult and Returning Student Services helps adults finish their college degrees. Free mental health counseling is available for enrolled students. TRiO/SSS supports students from underrepresented groups. The Wellness Center guides individuals towards healthy living. Career Services offers advising sessions to help students select majors and career goals.

Parkland ID cards are issued free of charge to enrolled students.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Parkland College ensures equal educational opportunities for all students and prohibits discrimination and harassment.

Student Conduct and Records

A student may be dismissed from a program for reasons including incompetence or unethical behavior. Educational records are maintained by the Office of Admissions and Records, and are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Parkland College reserves the right to use student photographs and videos for publicity and marketing efforts, and to reproduce student work for teaching and exhibition purposes.

Honors Program

The Parkland Honors Program is open to students who have demonstrated academic excellence, motivation, and leadership. Honors credits are earned through honors projects, independent projects, or honors classes. Phi Theta Kappa promotes scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship among members.

External Opportunities: UT Southwestern and JAMP

UT Southwestern encourages college students to explore careers in medicine, science, and research. The Office of Student Empowerment and Engagement hosts the Research & Health Careers Conference each year. The AMGEN Scholars Program and the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program provide intensive research experiences for undergraduates pursuing research-intensive careers.

The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) provides scholarships, internships, and mentoring to qualified students, guaranteeing admission to a medical school in Texas.

Parkland Auxiliary Collegiate Fellows Program

The Parkland Auxiliary Collegiate Fellows Program is a paid summer job at Parkland for college students interested in pursuing a career in health care. Ashtyn Zapletal, a participant in the program, found it to be a valuable learning experience that solidified her desire to pursue a career in medicine.

Specific Scholarship Examples

Parkland College offers a variety of scholarships with specific requirements. Some examples include:

Scholarships for Agriculture students graduating from Armstrong-Potomac High School, Oakwood High School, or St. Joseph-Ogden High School.
Scholarships for students pursuing degrees in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or Special Education.
Scholarships for high school graduating seniors or recent graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA enrolled in Business, STEM, Applied Health, Information Technology, or Ag programs.
Scholarships for students pursuing degrees in science, including biological sciences, physical sciences, engineering sciences, and computer science.
Scholarships with first preference given to students pursuing a degree in Special Education who plan to transfer to a 4-year institution.
Scholarships for graduates from St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

Applying for Parkland College Scholarships

Admitted students are encouraged to apply for Parkland College scholarships using the online application. This single application allows students to be considered for multiple scholarships; however, completing an application does not guarantee an award.

The Auxiliary's Broader Impact

The Parkland Auxiliary's support extends beyond scholarships. During a fundraising campaign to build the new hospital, the Auxiliary donated $3 million to name the chapel in honor of the late Ron J. Anderson, MD, Parkland’s long-time CEO.

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