Program seeks to diversify the healthcare workforce in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI – February 21, 2024 –In celebration of Black History Month, the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) proudly announces the awarding of scholarships to nine deserving Black students pursuing healthcare careers. These scholarships, funded by the W.k.Kellogg Foundation are a crucial component of the organization’s multi-year Pathways to Healthcare Careers program. The scholarship program is named in honor of Dr. Khan Nedd, one of GRAAHI’s founding board members for his relentless dedication and contributions to GRAAHI and the health and well-being of the Black community.
Pathways to Healthcare Careers, in collaboration with educational and medical institutions, serves as a comprehensive program for underserved students to enter and excel in healthcare professions. Recognizing the financial barriers many students face, the scholarships add additional support, allowing them to focus on their studies and successfully navigate their chosen paths. Dr. Nedd emphasizes GRAAHI’s commitment: “We are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Black healthcare professionals. These scholarships, combined with the Pathways program, address disparities in the healthcare workforce by empowering talented students and ensuring they have the resources to achieve their dreams of serving their communities.”
The nine scholarship recipients, selected for their academic achievements, community service dedication, and unwavering pursuit of healthcare careers, are:
- Constance Phillips: Ferris State University, dental hygiene student.
- Darron Trevino: Ferris State University, nursing student.
- Tyona Brown: Ferris State University, dental hygiene student.
- LaDonna Lewis: Davenport University, nursing student.
- Kierra Washington: Grand Valley State University, exercise science student.
- Sherie West: Davenport University, nursing student.
- Zhaniya Robinson: Michigan State University, nursing student.
- Todja Sanders: Ferris State University, healthcare career path.
- Betty Millien: Davenport University, healthcare career path.
- Samantha Harris, Davenport University, nursing student
Constance Phillips, a scholarship recipient, expresses her gratitude: “I am so grateful to
be a part of the Pathways program and to receive the Dr. Khan Nedd Scholarship. It
helps support my education so that I can focus on my studies and confidently pursue
my goal of becoming a dental hygienist and serving my community.”
“We are very proud of these students and excited about the service and contributions they will make to their communities,” added Vanessa Greene, CEO, GRAAHI.
To learn more about Pathways to Healthcare Careers, go to graahi.com/education.
