Contact Tameka Kenan-Norman
Executive Director of Public Information and Institutional Advancement
Edgecombe Community College
2009 W. Wilson St.
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 618-6560
kenannormant@edgecombe.edu

Empowering Edgecombe Community College Students

North Carolina Community Colleges and UnitedHealthcare Announce Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program

Edgecombe Community College announces its participation in the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program. This is 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 35 North Carolina Community Colleges, including Edgecombe Community College. The scholarship program supports students pursuing both short-term credentials and degrees in healthcare, specifically focusing on nurse aide I, nurse aide II, practical nurse and associate degree nursing

coursework.

"At Edgecombe Community College, we see firsthand the passion our students have for serving their communities," said Dr. Greg McLeod, president of ECC. "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 rely on every day."

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 Edgecombe Community College who are interested in applying for the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship Program should call 252-823-5166. The program will be effective starting summer 2026.

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/