In 1964, the DuPage County Medical Society, Health Department, and Pharmaceutical Association combined forces to carry out an oral vaccination program to provide the population of DuPage County with protection against poliomyelitis - polio. Donations of 50 cents per dose were requested in order to meet expenses of the program. Hundreds of public spirited citizens, including physicians, pharmacists, and the entire staff of the health department volunteered in the effort.
The program was a great success. So great, in fact, that approximately $59,000 was realized after all expenses were met. Since profit had not been the motive for the program, no plans had been made for the use of such a sum. From these beginnings, the DuPage Medical Society Foundation was formed.
Over the subsequent years, the Foundation has awarded nearly half a million dollars in student scholarships and in grants to community organizations serving DuPage County.
To be eligible for a scholarship grant from the Foundation, students must be enrolled in or accepted for admission to a professional education or training program before applying, and they must exhibit a strong academic background in addition to financial need. Students in prerequisite and undergraduate curriculums (i.e. pre-med) are not eligible for Foundation scholarships. The number of scholarships granted and the amounts awarded vary each year. The average amount of each scholarship is $1,000.