Employee Scholarships

The HMC Foundation Employee Scholarship provides support to HMC employees who have been employed at HMC for at least one year who are continuing their education, whether that be through a degree-seeking program, certification course, or conference. HMC Foundation Employee Scholarships are flexible and can be used to pay for:

• tuition
• course fees
• books and supplies
• conference expenses (registration, travel, lodging, etc.)
• certificates

As of November 1, 2025, the application and awards process for employee and volunteer scholarships has changed. In an effort to better maximize financial resources available to employees for continuing education while increasing the efficiency in the application process, the HMC Foundation is working with Human Resources to share one application for employees enrolled in a degree-seeking program or would like to earn a nationally-accredited certification. The HMC Foundation will continue to directly accept applications for conference support on a rolling basis.

If you are a Hillsboro Medical Center employee seeking further information on employee scholarship eligibility and application, please visit the Hillsboro Medical Center Foundation page on TualiPedia.

Employee Scholarships are generously supported through the following funds:

The Helen Schoen Scholarship Fund was established by Herman Schoen in 1989 to recognize the outstanding nursing care his wife received while a patient at Hillsboro Medical Center (formerly Tuality Community Hospital). The Helen Schoen Scholarship provides funds for employees involved in direct patient care who seek to enhance their education in health-related careers.

The Dr. R.E. Hutchinson Health Scholarship Fund was established by the Board of Directors to honor Dr. Hutchinson’s commitment to Hillsboro Medical Center and the community. Scholarships from this fund are directed specifically to employees pursuing further education and training in a medical position.

The Jane Kay Pitts Nursing Scholarship Fund provides a way for Hillsboro Medical Center employees to pursue educational opportunities in the nursing field. Established through generous donations in memory of Jane Kay Pitts by family and friends, this fund pays tribute to her dedication to the nursing field and the community.

The Judy Browning Memorial Scholarship was established by Bob Browning and his family in memory of his wife, Judy Browning, who was cared for at Hillsboro Medical Center (formerly Tuality Community Hospital). Funds are used for continuing education seminars and classes for non-managerial, hands-on patient care clinic staff.

Volunteer Services Scholarships are drawn from funds generated by various fundraisers conducted by our hospital volunteers. They are awarded to employees who are pursuing studies that will enhance their knowledge and skills, and contribute to the high quality of health care in our community. Scholarships are available to all Hillsboro Medical Center employees and are not restricted to those involved in direct patient care.

The Melba Krausnick Nursing Scholarship was established by Melba’s family in 2007. Melba was a volunteer at Tuality Community Hospital for 37 years. This scholarship is available to employees with nursing-related educational needs.

The Dick Stenson Scholarship Fund was stablished in 2014 to honor Dick Stenson, Tuality Healthcare President and CEO, upon his retirement.  In honor of Dick’s legacy of community support and inspirational leadership in building a healthier community, it is intended to provide scholarships for Tuality Healthcare employees to attend Portland Community College.