The intent of Helton Scholar is to provide funding for individuals seeking to complete a higher education degree. Preference is given to candidates who demonstrate impact to patient care and identify financial need.

Deadline: 5pm September 12, 2025

Structure for approval: Helton Endowment Scholarship Fund Committee

Eligibility:

• Max $10,000 per individual per cycle.
• Graduate certificate programs are eligible for funding. 
• Applicants must have been an employee of WakeMed for at least one year.  
• Applicants must remain employed at WakeMed at least 2 years post award.
• Applicants must be a benefits eligible FT/PT employee at WakeMed.
• Applicant does not have any active disciplinary actions.
• Applicant has received a score of 3 or higher on their most recent annual evaluation.
• If seeking higher education funding, applicant must show proof from HR of previous “Tuition & Specialty Certification Reimbursement” submission with approval or denied status and final amount funded if approved.
• Applicant can only receive Foundation education funding one time per calendar year.
• Applicant must be currently enrolled or accepted into an academic program. 
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• All returning applicants must complete the full application each year.
• Availability and number of awards is dependent on availability of funds and number of applicants at time of application.
• Applicant must be a non-medical staff employee (physicians, APPs, etc. are not eligible). 
• Employees that are director level or higher are exempt from funding.
• Applicants can be awarded funds for a maximum of $20,000 over 4 years in support of the same degree program.

Other Requirements: 

• Applicant must participate in an in-person or virtual interview if selected through the first round.
• Applicant must submit grades within 90 days from end of funding year’s semester.
• Provide the WakeMed Foundation with a picture of your graduation and/or picture of you with your diploma.
• Sign a promissory default agreement with the WakeMed Foundation and repay any scholarship funds within 90 days of a default.
• Return all unspent funds to the WakeMed Foundation Helton Fund. 
• Recipients may also be asked to meet with supporters and/or participate in promotion and recognition of the program.

If applications are incomplete by the deadline, they will not move forward to the next phase of the process.