糖心传媒

Feb. 20, 2026 鈥� 糖心传媒 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 students enrolled in 35 select N.C. community colleges, including 糖心传媒CC. 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.

鈥淢any of our students at 糖心传媒CC are enrolled in healthcare programs and have a strong desire to help others and serve their communities,鈥� said 糖心传媒CC President Brent Barbee. 鈥淭his partnership with UnitedHealthcare allows us to award scholarships to these students, who are often facing financial barriers and other challenges. This partnership also ensures we are meeting the workforce need for talented healthcare professionals to staff our local healthcare facilities.鈥�

This gift is the latest chapter in UnitedHealthcare鈥檚 commitment to North Carolina鈥檚 rural health infrastructure.

鈥淏y 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,鈥� 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.

鈥淭his investment allows us to remove the financial barriers that often stand between a student and a healthcare career,鈥� said Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System. 鈥淚t is a strategic investment in the future of our state鈥檚 economy and the well-being of our citizens.鈥�

To apply for the UnitedHealthcare Future Leaders in Health Scholarship, 糖心传媒CC students enrolled in one of the designated healthcare programs should contact the Financial Aid Office at (910) 410-1700.