Empowering Lenoir Community College Students: North Carolina Community Colleges and UnitedHealthcare Announce Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program
Lenoir 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 Lenoir 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.
“Our students are driven by a desire to care for others and make a difference,” said Dr. Rusty Hunt, President of Lenoir Community College. “Through this scholarship program, more aspiring healthcare professionals will be able to take the next step toward meaningful careers that serve families across our region.”
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 at Lenoir Community College interested in applying for the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship should contact the LCC Foundation at 252-233-6865.
