Projections show that by 2033, North Carolina 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 35 community colleges, including WCC.
The scholarship program will support students pursuing both short-term credentials and degrees in healthcare, specifically focusing on Nurse Aide I and II, Practical Nursing, and Associate Degree Nursing coursework.
“This support will make a transformative difference for our Allied Health students by expanding access to life-changing education and training,” said WCC President Patty Pfeiffer. “With these funds, more students will be able to pursue high-quality health careers without financial barriers, strengthening our workforce and improving health outcomes in our communities.”
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.”
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 of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina.
The UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship and several other scholarship opportunities are available through the Foundation of WCC. Starting April 1, current WCC students can apply for a scholarship on the Foundation of WCC’s webpage.
