Advocates for Upstate has launched its Year-End fund-raising campaign to offer scholarships to qualifying Upstate Medical University employees and volunteers who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in the health  professions.

“This pandemic has spotlighted the demand for health professionals,” says Advocates President Tracy Ryder. “Yet, nationally and locally, there is a short supply of professionals in many health fields, such as respiratory therapy, radiation therapy or medical imaging. Our goal is to offer scholarships to help those at Upstate who are pursuing degrees in the health professions.”

The scholarship will be used toward Fall 2021 tuition or tuition-related expenses. To qualify, candidates first must apply and be selected through the Advocates’ 2021 Scholarship Program. The scholarship amounts may depend on how many people apply to the program and their requested amount.

As an incentive to give, for every $10 a person donates, their name will be entered in a drawing for a Vince’s Gourmet Imports gift basket valued at $300. The basket includes a cooking class for two, wines & glasses, pasta making machine, ravioli stamp, gnocchi board and apron). The winner of the gift basket will be notified by Jan. 15.

Advocates for Upstate is a non-profit, membership organization of volunteers who support healthcare and scholarship at Upstate through fundraising and service.

To donate to the Advocates’ Year-End Campaign, visit https://upstateadvocates.ejoinme.org/giving.  For more information, call 315-464-5610.