JOHNSTOWN — The scholarship is part of the Apollo Award program, which each year honors one or more area physicians for their contributions to the community above and beyond their professional duties. The deadline to apply for the Apollo Scholarship is July 31st.

Scholarship recipients have to agree to return to the area to practice upon completion of their medical training. Recipients also agree to practice in the community for at least two years for every $5,000 they receive. Recipients who do not return to the area after completing their training may be expected to re-pay the scholarship.

Katrina Perkosky, Development Associate for the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, is handling the scholarship program; all questions can be directed to her through either email or by calling 814-536-7741, extension 119.

“I am overwhelmed by the generous support of those on the committee,” said Perkosky. ‘They’re extremely dedicated in helping and supporting medical students financially. What’s most unique about the program is that it helps keep these smart and talented young people living and working right here in our region.”

The Apollo Scholarship is available to local third or fourth year medical school students who agree to return to Somerset or Cambria County to practice medicine after they have completed their training.

The first awards were granted in 2001 and the scholarships started being awarded in 2008.

Supporters of the Apollo program include the Cambria County Medical Society, Lee Initiatives, Conemaugh Health System, the 1889 Foundation, the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, and Windber Medical Center.

Apollo applications can be found online, and the deadline is July 31st.