NORFOLK - Paying for college is expensive and scholarships can help offset some of the cost. Students planning to pursue college education can start earning scholarships in the amounts of $500, $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 to put toward their future higher education by volunteering at Faith Regional Health Services.

Any student, age 14 years or older, is eligible to begin earning points to be applied to the scholarship application just by volunteering regardless of the degree they may be interested in pursuing. These scholarships, gifted through Faith Regional Volunteer Services, are based on a combination of volunteer hours as well as community involvement, academics, letters of reference, volunteer performance, and goals.

Volunteer hours can accumulate from year to year until the application is submitted. Dollar amounts awarded are based on the number of hours volunteered, with the minimum requirement of 110 hours. Students who start volunteering as a freshmen have a higher likelihood of reaching the maximum dollar amount awarded.

"Both students and the hospital receive incredible benefits from this scholarship program first introduced five years ago," said Suzann Bugenhagen, Director of Volunteer Services at Faith Regional. "Students are able to build their resumes, receive real-world experience, and earn scholarship dollars. Volunteering among students at the hospital has increased by 38% which means Volunteer Services is better able to serve the needs of our patients, families and staff."

For more information, visit frhs.org or email sbugenhag@frhs.org.