Empowering the Next Generation of Rural Healthcare Heroes: Announcing the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program
Published: February 20, 2026
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 projected to face shortfalls of over 12,500 registered nurses and 5,000 licensed practical nurses.
To address this challenge head-on, we are proud to announce that UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina has established the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program with a $500,000 investment that will benefit 400 students pursuing both short-term credentials and degrees in healthcare across 35 NC Community Colleges. This gift is the latest chapter in UnitedHealthcare’s deep-rooted commitment to North Carolina’s rural health infrastructure. This investment follows UnitedHealthcare’s recent collaboration with Appalachian Mountain Health, in which UnitedHealthcare invested in a second mobile medical unit to bring primary care, behavioral health, and dental services directly to residents in Buncombe, Cherokee, Graham, and Jackson counties.
“At UnitedHealthcare, we are committed to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone,” said Anita Bachmann, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina. “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.”
The UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program is designed to remove the financial barriers that prevent talented students from entering the medical field, particularly in rural settings. Over the next three years, this scholarship fund will financially support 400 students pursuing to Nurse Aide I (NA I), Nurse Aide II (NA II), Practical Nurse (PN), Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) coursework at 35 North Carolina Community Colleges based on data identifying the greatest workforce gaps in the state (see full list of participating colleges following this announcement). Funding will be directed to community colleges serving rural and underserved communities across North Carolina. The scholarships will be given to students to cover a myriad of student needs from tuition, testing, transportation, and basic living costs.
“This investment allows us to remove the financial barriers that often stand between a student and a healthcare career, ensuring we can train and retain the talent needed to keep our rural communities vibrant and healthy. It is a strategic investment in the future of our state’s economy and the well-being of our citizens.” said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System.
We are incredibly grateful to UnitedHealthcare for recognizing that the health of our state depends on the strength of our rural workforce. Together, we are ensuring that no matter where a North Carolinian lives, the care they need is within reach.
List of Participating NC Community Colleges based on data identifying the greatest workforce gaps in the state:
- Mayland Community College
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
- Western Piedmont Community College
- Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
- Tri-County Community College
- Haywood Community College
- Blue Ridge Community College
- Southwestern Community College
- McDowell Technical Community College
- Isothermal Community College
- Bladen Community College
- Brunswick Community College
- Southeastern Community College
- Fayetteville Technical Community College
- Central Carolina Community College
- Sandhills Community College
- Montgomery Community College
- Cape Fear Community College
- Richmond Community College
- Robeson Community College
- Sampson Community College
- Beaufort County Community College
- Martin Community College
- College of The Albemarle
- Carteret Community College
- Craven Community College
- James Sprunt Community College
- Edgecombe Community College
- Lenoir Community College
- Halifax Community College
- Roanoke-Chowan Community College
- Coastal Carolina Community College
- Pamlico Community College
- Pitt Community College
- Wayne Community College
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About the North Carolina Community College System
The North Carolina Community College System (NC Community Colleges or System) is the engine for workforce development in North Carolina and the only public entity dedicated to providing affordable college access to anyone in the state. The System is governed by the NC State Board of Community Colleges with administration from the NC Community College System Office, and support from the NC Community Colleges Foundation, and is powered by the 58 community colleges and their respective foundations. Together, the System serves 600,000 students and awards more than 60,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates annually. For more information, visit https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/