ECU Health launches academic loan scholarship for community college students

WINTERVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - ECU Health is launching a new Academic Loan Scholarship Program aimed at supporting community college students pursuing high-need health science degrees in eastern North Carolina.

The program provides $5,000 in financial assistance and requires a one-year, full-time work commitment with ECU Health following graduation. Applications are open through May 22.

The scholarship was created to address workforce shortages in allied health and nursing roles across the region. ECU Health Human Resources Center of Excellence Vice President Josh Crocker said the program targets specific positions within the health system.

“For instance, roles in our allied health programs, physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, respiratory care, surgical technologies, etc.,” Crocker said. “They will have a one year commitment to work at ECU Health.”

Crocker said the program was built with workforce development and talent acquisition teams and that funding goes directly to students.

“The goal is to eliminate the financial burden for students here in eastern North Carolina,” Crocker said. “We’re really focused on roles vital to the care of the population here and to advance the mission of health and wellbeing for eastern North Carolina.”

ECU Health has allocated $165,000 for the program, allowing for 33 scholarships. Multiple community colleges in ENC are participating partners.

“This is a program that was developed in tandem with our workforce development team and talent acquisition team,” Crocker said. “The money comes directly from ECU Health to the student to help them with their financial aid.”