SCHOLARSHIPS
Sun Health Mission and Scholarships
Sun Health’s mission is to empower people to enjoy living longer, healthier, and more purposeful lives.  We invest in the infrastructure, programs, skilled professionals, and innovations required to advance high-quality care and promote health and well-being in the West Valley. Â
Our scholarship programs, made possible through philanthropic support, help develop a strong pipeline of healthcare professionals in our region. In 2025, we awarded more than 203 scholarships totaling over $330,000, directly strengthening individuals, the workforce, and our community.
Lives Impacted in Scholarships in 2025
|
Education Opportunity
|
Lives Impacted
|
Total
|
|---|---|---|
|
Warren D. Ruff Scholarship |
114 |
$218,871 |
|
Shepard of the Hills Nursing Scholarship |
38 |
$50,000 |
|
Grandview Terrace Resident-Sponsored Scholarship |
15 |
$20,187 |
|
La Loma Village Resident-Sponsored Scholarship |
26 |
$27,117 |
|
The Colonnade Resident-Sponsored Scholarship |
10 |
$13,970 |
Warren D. Ruff Scholarship
Fall 2026 Application Open: May 1 – 29, 2026
The Warren D. Ruff Scholarship Fund, totaling $6.4 million (with the intent that 5% will be awarded each year), opens new doors of opportunity for individuals to pursue their passion and help fill the critical need for more trained nurses and nursing-related health professionals who live and work in Arizona.
Because of the exceptional care he received, Mr. Ruff desired that the primary purpose of the scholarship be to supply nurses to Arizona. During the last decade of his life, Mr. Ruff was deeply grateful to the former Sun Health Boswell and Del E. Webb hospitals and people who delivered this care, and they became endeared to him.
Eligibility:
- Must be employed at Sun Health, Banner Boswell, or Banner Del E. Webb.
- Must be pursuing education in a nursing or a nursing-related health related certificate or degree.
- Must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution that awards degrees or certificates to students studying nursing and nursing-related health professions.
- professions.
- Must demonstrate good character and dedication towards the noble nursing profession and be in good standing in their program.
Cycle Dates:
- Fall 2026 Application Open: May 1 – 29, 2026
- Spring 2027 Application Open: September 14, 2026 – October 14, 2026
How to Apply:
Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church Scholarship
The Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church raises funds through their congregation of approximately $40,000.00 per year to award employees Banner Del E. Webb and Banner Boswell pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Eligibility and Application Details:
- Must be employed at Banner Del E. Webb or Banner Boswell
- Must be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Must apply for the Warren D. Ruff Scholarship application first in order to qualify
Warren D. Ruff Scholarship recipients pursuing a BSN are automatically considered for the Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church Scholarship to help cover any remaining tuition expenses
Sun Health Community Resident-Sponsored Scholarships
Three of Sun Health’s vibrant living communities – Grandview Terrace, La Loma Village, and The Colonnade – offer resident-funded scholarship programs that support the educational growth of their employees. Resident-led scholarship committees manage the application process, review submissions, and select recipients.
Grandview Terrace Resident-Sponsored Scholarship
The Grandview Terrace resident‑sponsored scholarship program is open to employees who have worked at Grandview Terrace for at least six months and average a minimum of 12 hours per week. Eligible applicants may pursue any degree program or vocational training. Scholarships of up to $6,000 per year are available, and applications are accepted year‑round on a rolling basis.
La Loma Village Resident-Sponsored Scholarship
The La Loma Village resident-sponsored scholarship program is open to employees who have worked at La Loma Village for at least six months and average at least 20 hours per week. Eligible applicants may pursue any degree program or vocational training. Scholarships of up to $4,000 per year are available, and applications are accepted in three rounds per year: March 1 – April 1, July 1 – August 1, and October 1 – November 1. Â
The Colonnade Resident-Sponsored Scholarship
The Colonnade resident-sponsored scholarship program is open to employees who have worked at The Colonnade for at least six months and average at least 15 hours per week. Eligible applicants may pursue any degree program or vocational training. Scholarships of up to $6,000 per year are available, and applications are accepted in three rounds per year: March 1 – April 1, July 1 – August 1, and October 1 – November 1. Â
To Apply:
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Staff members of the above Sun Health communities can reach out to [email protected] to learn how to apply. If you are not a staff member at one of the above communities, you are not eligible to apply for any of the three Sun Health community resident-sponsored scholarship programs.
Connect With Us
Are you . . .
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- An individual interested in exploring how to create a lasting legacy by establishing or contributing to a scholarship program through Sun Health Foundation?
- A recipient whose life was impacted by one of the above scholarship programs and you want to tell your story?
- A student interested in learning more about scholarships offered through the Sun Health Foundation?
We want to hear from you! Please reach out to us at [email protected].
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