Haywood Community College and Blue Ridge Community College have 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 Haywood Community College and 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 Nurse (PN), and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) coursework.

"At Haywood Community College, we see firsthand the passion our students have for serving their communities," said Dr. Shelley White, President of Haywood Community College. "This partnership with UnitedHealthcare allows us to remove financial barriers like tuition and transportation, ensuring our local healthcare facilities are staffed by the talented professionals our neighbors depend on."

“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.”

This 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."

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.

Students interested in applying for the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship should contact HCC’s Foundation at [email protected] or 828-627-4544.

Students at Blue Ridge Community College interested in applying for the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship should contact the Financial Aid department at [email protected] or (828) 694-1816. More information about financial aid opportunities is online at www.blueridge.edu/financial-aid and www.blueridge.edu/scholarships. 

Source: Haywood Community College, Blue Ridge Community College