VICTORVILLE, Calif. (Diya TV) — The students, from the High Desert region of Southern California, were honored for their academic achievements and commitment to healthcare. The event marked another milestone in the Foundation’s long-standing mission to support the next generation of healthcare professionals.
This year’s scholarship recipients ranged in age from 16 to 54. They included high school seniors, single mothers returning to school, and adults seeking new careers in health care. A record number of students applied in 2025, highlighting the growing interest in medical fields and the increasing financial need among aspiring healthcare workers.
The scholarship program helps students overcome financial barriers while encouraging them to serve their local communities. Many recipients said they plan to stay in the High Desert area after completing their education. Sunitha Reddy, executive director of the Foundation, addressed the scholarship recipients during the ceremony.
“This event was more than a celebration of achievement—it was a tribute to the passion and purpose it takes to pursue a calling in healthcare,” she said. “These scholars are the reason this Foundation exists.”
She encouraged the students to remember their journey and the values that guide them.
“You’ve chosen a path in healthcare, a path that demands knowledge, compassion, and resilience,” she said. “As you care for others, never forget that your journey is part of a greater legacy, one rooted in service and driven by the belief that every patient deserves to be seen, heard, and healed.”
Among the honorees was Tiffany Bogan, who shared her powerful story of perseverance. She was born with neonatal abstinence syndrome and placed in foster care. Later, she survived Hurricane Katrina and faced painful losses due to addiction in her family.
“I’m not here because everything went right—I’m here because I never gave up,” Bogan said. “I’ve built this future from the ground up, and I plan to use it to serve others as a doctor, shaped by struggle and led by love.”
Her words moved many in the audience and served as a reminder of the challenges students often face on the path to success. Karyl James, chief nursing officer at Desert Valley Hospital, delivered the keynote speech. She spoke about the values at the heart of healthcare.
“As you stand at the crossroads of your journey in healthcare, remember that your path is not just about the destination—it’s about the lives you touch, the lessons you learn, and the growth you experience along the way,” she said.
Dr. Venkamma Reddy, co-founder of the Foundation, also spoke at the event. She praised the dedication of the students and encouraged them to serve their communities with compassion and care.
Founded in 1989 by Dr. Prem Reddy, the Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in academic scholarships to date. Dr. Reddy is also the founder, chairman, and CEO of Prime Healthcare, a national health system based in California.
The Foundation not only supports scholarships but also funds public health programs, community clinics, and global health initiatives.
To help address the physician shortage in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, Dr. Reddy and the Foundation contributed over $80 million to help establish the California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM). The university aims to train doctors who will serve local and underserved communities.
This year’s scholarship event highlighted more than just financial aid. It showcased stories of resilience, hope, and dedication. From young students just beginning their journeys to adults seeking a second chance, each recipient is now part of a growing movement to improve healthcare access across Southern California.
