Foster G. McGraw Graduate Student Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by American College of Healthcare Executives
Overview
The 2025 scholarship cycle is closed. Candidates who applied for 2025 will receive written notification of their application status by mail in July 2025. The next round of applications for the 2026 awards will be accepted from January 2, 2026 through March 31, 2026.
Background
The Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) created these awards to honor Albert W. Dent — the first African-American Fellow of ACHE — and Foster G. McGaw, founder of the American Hospital Supply Corporation. The Albert W. Dent and Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarships are intended to help graduate students in healthcare management programs defray tuition, loan burdens, and other educational expenses.
Award Details
- These scholarships are granted each year to students in the final year of a graduate healthcare management program.
- Each award is $5,000.
- ACHE may award up to 15 scholarships annually.
- Applicants may apply for both the Albert W. Dent and the Foster G. McGaw scholarships in 2026 provided they meet the eligibility rules.
Who Is Eligible
To be eligible to apply for the 2026 scholarships, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be enrolled full time in a graduate program in healthcare management (examples: MHA, MPH, MBA with a healthcare administration concentration, or a comparable program).
- Be entering your final year of full-time study (fall/spring).
- Anticipate graduating between September 1, 2026 and August 31, 2027.
- If your program includes a residency and the upcoming fall term marks your second year of study, you are eligible to apply.
- If you have finished classroom coursework and are currently completing a residency portion, you are not eligible.
- Not currently employed in a paid healthcare management role.
- Not enrolled in a doctoral program.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a Canadian citizen.
- Not be a prior recipient of these scholarships.
Application Period
- 2025: Closed (status letters mailed to 2025 applicants in July 2025).
- 2026: Applications accepted January 2, 2026 through March 31, 2026.
How to Apply
Submit a completed online application and include all required attachments. Required materials:
- Current résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
- Three recent letters of recommendation (one must be from your graduate program director).
- Application essay addressing:
- Your reasons for pursuing a career in healthcare management and your professional goals.
- Involvement, service, or leadership in healthcare-related professional organizations or relevant nonprofits.
- Your experience in the healthcare field.
- Your financial need.
- Community, civic, or volunteer activities.
About ACHE
The American College of Healthcare Executives is a professional organization representing more than 51,000 healthcare leaders. ACHE is recognized for its credentialing and educational offerings and for its high-quality publications. Its mission is to be the leading professional society for healthcare executives committed to improving health.