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Summit Community Care donates $25,000 to establish “Reaching the Summit” scholarship fund at UA – Pulaski Tech

Summit Community Care has committed $25,000 to establish the "Reaching the Summit" Scholarship Fund at University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College, college leaders announced Wednesday during an event at the Center for Humanities and Arts Performance Hall.

Summit Community Care is a local Medicaid managed care organization that serves some of the state’s most vulnerable populations – including those living with complex medical conditions and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The strategic investment will provide approximately 25 individual $1,000 scholarships to UA-PTC students committed to serving Arkansas's Medicaid-eligible populations. The fund aims to strengthen the state's healthcare workforce by supporting students pursuing degrees in behavioral health, human services, intellectual and developmental disabilities support, and health equity-focused fields.

"At UA-PTC, we strive to meet our students where they are, removing the barriers that may derail their plans," said UA-PTC Chancellor Summer DeProw. " Reducing a student's out-of-pocket burden plays a huge role in keeping them on track for graduation and future success."

The scholarship fund addresses critical labor shortages across Arkansas, where turnover in behavioral health and disability services creates operational strain for healthcare providers. Industry data estimates the cost of replacing a frontline healthcare employee may range between $10,000 and $40,000.

“We’re proud to partner with Pulaski Technical College to help reduce the financial barriers that can prevent passionate individuals from completing their education in healthcare,” Jason Miller, president, Summit Community Care said. “Summit Community Care believes everyone deserves to live their healthiest life and expanding access to healthcare is our top priority. These 25 scholarships will help us continue to build a strong network of healthcare providers which is critical to expanding access.”

 Applications for the "Reaching the Summit" Scholarship Fund open Monday, Aug. 17, and close Tuesday, Oct. 27. Current and prospective UA-PTC students planning to work with Medicaid-eligible populations or currently employed by provider organizations serving these groups are eligible to apply.

"Summit Community Care understands that to build a resilient healthcare system, you must invest in the people who power it," DeProw said. "When someone completes their degree because of this support, Arkansas gains a skilled, compassionate professional who steps directly into the workforce."

Scholarship recipients will be announced between Nov. 30 and Dec. 4, with funding taking effect for the spring 2027 semester beginning Jan. 19, 2027.

Pictured left to right: UA-PTC Chancellor Dr. Summer DeProw and Summit Community Care President Jason Miller