Southeastern Community College Announces UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program

Southeastern Community College is proud to announce its participation in the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program, a new statewide initiative designed to train and support the next generation of rural healthcare professionals. 

North Carolina continues to face a growing healthcare workforce shortage, particularly in rural communities like Columbus County. Nearly three million North Carolinians live in areas without enough healthcare providers, and projections show that by 2033, the state could face shortages of more than 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 Southeastern 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. 

Selected students enrolled in Nurse Aide programs will receive $500 scholarships, while selected students pursuing Practical Nursing (PN) and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) pathways will receive $2,500 scholarships to help cover tuition, testing fees, transportation, and other educational expenses. 

“At Southeastern Community College, we know that healthcare education changes lives. Not only for our students, but for the entire communities they go on to serve,” said Dr. Chris English, President of Southeastern Community College. “This investment helps remove barriers for students who are passionate about making a difference in healthcare and strengthens the workforce pipeline our healthcare partners depend on.” 

SCC’s healthcare programs continue to play a critical role in preparing highly skilled professionals for careers throughout southeastern North Carolina, with strong partnerships across hospitals, medical offices, long-term care facilities, and regional healthcare systems. 

“Our nursing students are often balancing coursework, clinicals, jobs, and family responsibilities all at once,” said Tammy Faulk, Director of Nursing at SCC. “Scholarships like this provide meaningful support that helps students stay focused on completing their training and entering the workforce ready to serve.” 

“For many students, financial obstacles can delay or even prevent them from entering healthcare careers,” said Jessica Hill, Dean of Nursing & Healthcare Training at SCC. “These scholarships help students move forward faster, complete their training, and begin serving the communities that need them most.” 

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 Program should complete the scholarship application by clicking here! 

Scholarship funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to apply early. Current students enrolled in eligible healthcare programs may apply, including students already accepted into Nurse Aide, LPN, or ADN pathways. Students must complete the FAFSA before submitting the scholarship application, as a completed FAFSA is required for scholarship consideration. 

For students who need one-on-one assistance with the application process, SCC’s Financial Aid Office is available to help in A-Building, Room 100. Students may also contact the team at [email protected] or by phone at (910) 788-6214. 

Learn more about healthcare programs at Southeastern Community College by clicking here!