Unlock Your Future: 1,000 Low-Income Students Can Get $10K Each for Health Tech Careers—Are You One of Them?

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / November 20, 2025 / In a significant move towards addressing educational inequities, Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, has launched the Medtronic Spark Scholarship. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance and essential support services for students pursuing degrees in health technology and related fields. The scholarship represents a vital step in removing financial barriers for talented individuals from low-income households who aspire to enter the health tech workforce.

The Medtronic Spark Scholarship is part of a broader, ambitious ten-year global initiative aimed at propelling 1 million students into health tech careers by 2030. This comes in response to predictions from experts that the global shortfall of health workers could reach 11 million by the end of the decade. As healthcare needs grow, initiatives like this one are essential for ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled professionals in the field.

Scholarship recipients will benefit from significant financial support to cover educational expenses, renewable for up to four years. In addition to financial aid, selected students will have access to valuable career-building experiences. These include mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities with industry professionals at Medtronic. Moreover, the program offers the possibility of additional funding to help with unexpected hardships that may arise during their studies.

Financial aid plays a crucial role in students' educational journeys. A survey conducted by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation revealed that over half (53%) of current, former, and prospective students consider financial aid or scholarships as key factors in their decision to continue or enroll in postsecondary programs. This statistic underscores the necessity of initiatives like the Medtronic Spark Scholarship in fostering educational access and equity.

In a global study involving more than 700,000 respondents by the World Economic Forum, it was found that young people's top priority is obtaining the education and skills necessary for successful careers. Medtronic's scholarship initiative directly addresses this demand, aiming to inspire the next generation of health tech leaders. As Sally Saba, president of the Medtronic Foundation, stated, “This global program is designed to inspire the next generation of health tech leaders. By helping bridge financial barriers and providing ongoing support, it enables talented students to thrive. From their first day of college to launching their careers, this program aims to open doors and empower students on their path to a brighter future in health tech.”

Medtronic will award up to 100 new scholarships each year to students residing in over 70 eligible countries. This diverse scope reflects the company’s commitment to global access to education and underscores the importance of cultivating a workforce that is not only skilled but also representative of the communities it serves. The application deadline for interested students is January 30, 2026, and more information can be found at iie.org/medtronicsparkscholarship.

As healthcare technology continues to evolve rapidly, initiatives like the Medtronic Spark Scholarship are crucial for ensuring that future professionals are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the industry. By investing in education and supporting student success, Medtronic is taking meaningful strides toward a healthier future for all.