SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – A local P.E.O. Chapter is making college more affordable for two students at the Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology, in Scottsbluff.

Jillian Rutan, a second year student from Bayard, and Kristen Avila, a first year student from Henry, were awarded grants from the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education. Rutan received $1,800 and Avila was awarded $1,000.

The students learned about the grant program when members of P.E.O. Chapter FC visited the school to tell the students about the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education. Rutan and Avila applied for and qualified to interview for the scholarship.

The grant recipients said they appreciated the support and encouragement offered by members of Chapter FC.

“They help with the interview and application process, which is different from other scholarships,” said Rutan.

The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education, provides grants of up to $3,000 to women whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and/or their families. Applicants must be sponsored by a local P.E.O. chapter and must demonstrate a need for financial assistance with their educational expenses in order to improve or gain skills needed for employment.

“The scholarship is a good opportunity for women who are going to school. They want you to succeed,” said Avila.
The Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology is a two-year program that prepares students for a career as a radiographer. For more information about the school and a career as a radiologic technologist, visit www.rwmc.net/SORT.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.