HCNEU Awards $61,000 in Scholarships

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 19, 2026

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Vernal, UT – 

The Foundation for Healthy Communities of Northeastern Utah (HCNEU) awarded $61,000 in scholarships to 13 local high school seniors for post-graduate ventures. HCNEU gave scholarship money to students who fulfilled the requirements of the Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) program, which focuses on facilitating peer-to-peer tobacco and substance prevention among teens. 

 

SWAT meeting groups are held at each high school in the Uintah Basin and are facilitated by the TriCounty Health Department. SWAT students fulfill nine objectives, including designing and completing a project of their own choosing, in order to be eligible for the scholarship. Students are encouraged to join SWAT as they enter high school in preparation to apply for the scholarship their senior year. 

 

This year, 26 students from the Class of 2027 applied for the SWAT Scholarship, demonstrating a strong commitment to academic achievement, leadership, and personal growth. Through successful completion of the program requirements, each student has the opportunity to earn a scholarship award, reflecting the program’s dedication to recognizing and supporting student potential. 

 

The foundation is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of these young leaders, who worked diligently throughout the year to promote the importance of living a tobacco-free lifestyle among their peers and within their communities. The HCNEU board looks forward to continuing its support of youth leaders who are making a meaningful impact and inspiring others to create healthier futures.