Student debt, a shortage of qualified healthcare workers and job instability are all very real problems in the regional economy these days.
A new partnership in the Western counties of North Carolina aims to address all these issues.
Designed to reduce financial barriers for students, the Health Science Scholars Program is also building a sustainable healthcare workforce pipeline throughout the region.
Southwestern Community College students who sign up as Health Science Scholars will receive last-dollar tuition assistance as well as guaranteed employment upon graduation. Meanwhile, employers will be able to fill much-needed positions in the 17 career fields for which SCC provides education and training.
More than a dozen students officially signed commitment letters to join the Health Science Scholars program during a “Signing Day” event Monday evening at SCC’s Jackson Campus in Sylva.
“This program is about breaking down financial barriers for students who are passionate about entering the healthcare field,” said Dr. Timothy Dean, Dean of Health Sciences at SCC. “At the same time, we are getting students connected to employers much earlier in their educational journeys, which strengthens both their experience and their career outcomes.”
Interest in the program has exceeded expectations. SCC hosted its inaugural Health Science Scholars Interview Day on May 4, where 31 students from multiple health science programs interviewed with four regional employers: Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, Harris Regional Hospital, Angel Medical Center, and Sylva Valley Health and Rehab.
“A strong local workforce depends on outstanding local educators,” said William (Ashley) Hindman, Chief Executive Officer for Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals. “Hospitals and colleges like SCC are connected in a very practical and powerful way. We function as parts of a whole. One side is caring for patients today, while the other is preparing the professionals who will care for patients tomorrow. Neither can fully succeed without the other. That is why the partnership between our hospitals and SCC is so important to us."
Designed with flexibility and growth in mind, the Health Science Scholars Program is open to additional healthcare organizations that wish to participate. Each partner determines its own level of support and participation model. Options may include covering full tuition in exchange for a post-graduation work commitment, providing partial financial assistance or hiring students during their education with tuition reimbursement and flexible work expectations.
Beyond initial selection, SCC is committed to keeping students actively engaged with their sponsoring employers throughout their educational experience. Planned engagement opportunities include a fall employer picnic, volunteer activities within partner organizations, regular semester updates shared with employers and ongoing communication to strengthen professional relationships. These touchpoints are designed to ensure students remain connected, supported and workforce-ready from enrollment through graduation.
For more information about the Health Science Scholars Program or to inquire about becoming a participating employer, please contact Dr. Dean at t_dean@SouthwesternCC.edu.
