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Featured photo: Nurse aide students at Blue Ridge Community College practice measuring blood pressure as part of their hands-on clinical skills training. (Photo by Rich Keen.)
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This February, Blue Ridge Community College announced its participation in the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program, a new initiative aimed at training the next generation of rural healthcare professionals.
North Carolina is currently facing a healthcare crisis, with nearly three million residents living in areas without adequate medical professionals. Rural counties are hit the hardest, often operating with half the number of providers per capita compared to urban areas. Projections show that by 2033, the state is expected to face shortfalls of over 12,500 registered nurses and 5,000 licensed practical nurses.
To address this challenge, UnitedHealthcare has invested $500,000 in a new scholarship program that will benefit 400 NC community college students across thirty-five North Carolina Community Colleges, including Blue Ridge Community College. The scholarship program supports students pursuing both short-term credentials and degrees in healthcare, specifically focusing on Nurse Aide I (NA I), Nurse Aide II (NA II), Practical Nursing (PN), and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) coursework.
“At Blue Ridge Community College, our students are deeply committed to caring for the communities they call home,” said Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge. “Through this partnership with UnitedHealthcare, we’re able to reduce financial obstacles such as tuition and transportation costs, while strengthening the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals our region urgently needs.”
Blue Ridge’s initial allocation from the program for student scholarships is $10,000, which will be disbursed by the College’s Financial Aid department in collaboration with the Educational Foundation of Blue Ridge Community College.
The gift is the latest chapter in UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to North Carolina’s rural health infrastructure.
“By investing in the Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program, we are not only supporting the career aspirations of dedicated students but also ensuring that North Carolinians in rural and underserved areas have access to the high-quality, local care they deserve,” said Anita Bachmann, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina.
The scholarships are designed to be comprehensive, covering costs ranging from tuition and testing to basic living expenses and transportation.
“This investment allows us to remove the financial barriers that often stand between a student and a healthcare career,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System. “It is a strategic investment in the future of our state’s economy and the well-being of our citizens.”
Students at Blue Ridge Community College interested in applying for the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship should contact the Financial Aid department at finaid@blueridge.edu or (828) 694-1816. More information about financial aid opportunities is online at www.blueridge.edu/financial-aid and www.blueridge.edu/scholarships.
About Blue Ridge Community College
Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that elevates the educational experience to prepare students for 21st-century success in the workplace or at four-year colleges and universities. Providing real-life, affordable, and accessible education, the College offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training. To learn more about Blue Ridge Community College, visit blueridge.edu.
About the North Carolina Community College System
The North Carolina Community College System(NC Community Colleges or System) is the engine for workforce development in North Carolina and the only public entity dedicated to providing affordable college access to anyone in the state. The System is governed by the NC State Board of Community Colleges with administration from the NC Community College System Office, and support from the NC Community Colleges Foundation, and is powered by the 58 community colleges and their respective foundations. Together, the System serves 600,000 students and awards more than 60,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates annually. For more information, visit https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/