TRA Medical Imaging Foundation Education Fund & Scholarship Program

Our commitment is to continue to “give back” by supporting and promoting advancements in healthcare and education for those with whom we share our beautiful region.

The Dr. William B. Jackson Scholarship Fund

Background and Purpose

The TRA Medical Imaging Foundation’s mission is to enhance health and well-being by advancing access to medical imaging services and workforce development opportunities. Our work encompasses promoting Imaging Sciences as a career choice and providing support to individuals interested in pursuing careers in Imaging Sciences through scholarships, mentorship, job shadowing, and residency programs.

Honoring Dr. William B. Jackson and his legacy (April 29, 1936-February 4, 2023), the TRA Medical Imaging Foundation Education Fund has been named in his honor, The Dr. William B. Jackson Scholarship Fund.

Inclusion and Diversity

TRA Medical Imaging Foundation is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law.

All application materials are to be submitted online:

APPLICATIONS NOW OCTOBER 10, 2025.

Current Scholarship Opportunities

The TRA Medical Imaging Foundation's Scholarship Program for first-year students enrolled in an eligible Imaging Sciences Program at:

Tacoma Community College (Radiologic Tehcnology or Diagnostic Medical Sonography); Olympic College (Radiologic Tehcnology or Diagnostic Medical Sonography); and Bates Technical College (MRI Program).

Financial awards range from $7,500 $10,000 for first-year students enrolled in an imaging scinces. Awards are based on the number of quarters over the 2-year program. These funds are provided throughout the program and are contingent on meeting the school’s expectations, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0, and participating in the TRA Medical Imaging Foundation Mentorship Program.
Ongoing mentorship from a team of professionals, including a TRA radiologist and/or technologist, to support, guide and help develop key talent. This mentorship program focuses on career development, education, learning, and boosting engagement. Scholars are required to participate in this mentoring program for a minimum of 30-60 minutes monthly. Mentoring is a crucial component of this program, and the scholar’s investment of time and engagement is essential to maximize the benefits of mentorship.
Opportunities to participate in the TRA Medical Imaging Foundation Scholarship Alumni Program, which aims to guide and support future scholars and promote Imaging Sciences as a professional career.

Eligibility

The TRA Medical Imaging Foundation Scholarship is open to first-year students who have been accepted into the Radiologic Sciences Program or the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Tacoma Community College. To be eligible, applicants must:

Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Have completed the scholarship application process.
Be able to attend scheduled monthly mentorship sessions via virtual meetings.

Application materials include

Part 1: Biographical Information Form
Part 2: Release Authorization and
Statement of Participation Award Acceptance Policy
Part 3: 2 Essays (up to 500 words each)
Part 4: 1 Letter of Recommendation (see tips below)

second letter is optional.
Part 5: Scholarship Disclosure Form

Application tip: It is recommended that you prepare your essays in a Word document and save for your records, then upload to the online application. You must submit your application, essays and letters of recommendation at the same time. Please double-space your essay,12 pt. type, and do not exceed 500 words per essay.

Essay #1 Please discuss:

Your personal journey.
A challenging experience you’ve encountered, how you overcame it, and the lessons you learned.
How being accepted into the TRA Medical Imaging Foundation Scholarship program would positively impact your life.

Essay #2 Please share your thoughts on the following:

What initially drew you to a career in healthcare and how you see yourself contributing.
What specifically excites you about Imaging Sciences.
What are your career goals?
In thinking about your educational and career goals, provide an example of a strength that will help you achieve your objectives as an Imaging Sciences professional.

Letter of Recommendation:

One letter of recommendation is required, we will accept two. Letters of recommendation should be from an employer, professional associate, colleague or from current/affiliated teachers or advisors who can discuss professionalism, work ethic, learning aptitude, and can share qualities and examples that make you a strong candidate for this scholarship program.

Not accepted: Letters of recommendation from your TCC Program Director or your relatives/immediate family members will not be accepted.

Gather your letter(s) of recommendation (Word or PDF) and upload when you submit your application. The recommendation should be completed on a separate sheet/document/letterhead and include the information below from referral:

Name of Applicant:

Name:

Address (optional):

Email:

Phone:

How long have you known the applicant?

In what capacity?

A few tips on letter(s) of recommendation: When selecting someone to write a letter of recommendation, you should first look to current or past employers or supervisors. These individuals are familiar with your work ethic and ability to handle tasks under pressure. Professors and academic advisors (except TCC Program Director or Imaging Science instructors) are also great resources. The most important thing about choosing someone to write a letter of recommendation is that the person writing the letter must know you well enough to accurately describe your abilities and strengths. Examples are encouraged.

Schedule and Deadlines

Applications are accepted starting Friday, October 10, 2025, 9:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Applications will not be accepted after Monday, December 1, 2025, 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Award recipients will be notified via email by Friday, December 19, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Acceptance Policy

Award recipients will be notified by email. Applicants not awarded a scholarship will be notified by email.

Scholars are asked to agree to have their names released publicly and to participate when possible in stewardship activities, which may involve attending events, etc. In addition, Scholars are expected to participate in the TRA Medical Imaging Foundation Mentorship Program, which includes monthly meetings of 30 to 60 minutes in person or via virtual.

Scholarship Renewal Criteria

To qualify for a second year of the scholarship, Scholars must show satisfactory progress toward a degree by meeting the following minimum requirements:

Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Be consecutively enrolled in a qualified Imaging Sciences Progarm at Tacoma Community College, Olympic College or Bates Technical College.
Scholars will also be required to be actively involved in mentorship.