Three students pursuing careers in healthcare are one step closer to achieving their goals thanks to scholarships awarded through the Southwest Virginia Healthcare Workforce Partnership.
With generous support from Claude Moore Opportunities and the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, the Partnership recently awarded three $2,500 scholarships to students committed to serving the healthcare needs of Southwest Virginia.
The 2026 scholarship recipients are:
- Roberta, Dickenson County, Nursing
- Risten, Washington County, Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Sarai, Wythe County, Nursing
The Southwest Virginia Healthcare Workforce Partnership, organized through the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, brings together healthcare providers, educational institutions, workforce organizations, and community partners with a shared goal of strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce. By working collaboratively to expand educational opportunities, improve workforce pathways, and support students, the Partnership is helping ensure Southwest Virginia has the healthcare professionals it needs for years to come.
Scholarships like these are one meaningful way the Partnership supports that mission. By reducing financial barriers for students pursuing healthcare careers, the program helps encourage more local residents to enter the profession and, ultimately, serve the communities they call home.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Claude Moore Opportunities and the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia for investing in the future of healthcare in our region,” said Karen Brown, Director of Healthcare Education Initiatives at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. “These scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They’re an investment in students who have chosen careers dedicated to caring for others and strengthening the health of our communities.”
Congratulations to Roberta, Risten, and Sarai as they begin this exciting next chapter. Their dedication and passion will help shape a healthier future for Southwest Virginia.
To learn more about the Southwest Virginia Healthcare Workforce Partnership and its efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce across the region, visit swcenter.edu/healthcare.
