Gordon State College, Upson Regional Medical Center Create Nursing Scholarship-to-Career Pathway
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
Gordon State College and Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) are strengthening the pathway from nursing education to employment through a new scholarship program designed to support GSC nursing students while preparing the next generation of registered nurses for the regional workforce.
The URMC Nursing Scholarship Program will provide financial assistance to selected Gordon State nursing students while establishing a direct pathway from the classroom to the healthcare workforce. Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to transition from their nursing education at GSC into full-time nursing careers at URMC following graduation and successful licensure as registered nurses in Georgia.
The partnership demonstrates the important role regional employers can play in helping students move from the classroom into high-demand careers while addressing workforce needs within the communities Gordon State serves.
“This partnership represents exactly the kind of opportunity we want to create for our students, one that connects education, financial support and a meaningful career pathway,” said Dr. Russell Crutchfield, GSC president. “We are grateful to Upson Regional Medical Center for investing not only in Gordon State nursing students, but also in the future healthcare workforce of this region.”
URMC plans to award 10 students $2,500 per semester in scholarship assistance. Funds will be paid directly to GSC on behalf of recipients and may be applied toward eligible educational expenses, including tuition, mandatory fees and books.
By pairing financial support with a defined employment pathway, the partnership gives students an opportunity to begin building their careers close to home while helping meet the demand for skilled nurses throughout the region.
“At [URMC], we believe that investing in people is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen the health of our community. The Upson Regional Medical Center Nursing Scholarship Program at Gordon State College will help talented and dedicated students pursue their calling to care for others while creating new opportunities for them to serve close to home. I am especially grateful to the URMC Foundation Board for recognizing the lasting impact this investment will have on our workforce, our hospital, and the communities we serve,” said Dan Owens, URMC chief executive officer.
Scholarship recipients will commit to working as full-time URMC staff nurses following graduation and successful licensure. The employment commitment is 24 months or six months for each semester funded through the scholarship program.
Students interested in the URMC Nursing Scholarship Program can learn more about eligibility, application requirements and how to apply through the online application form.