Clyde, NC – Haywood Community College announces 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. 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."
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."
Students interested in applying for the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health
Scholarship should contact HCC’s Foundation at hebirenbaum@haywood.edu or 828-627-4544.