Scholarship program for TCSG students will bolster state’s pipeline of healthcare professionals and improve regional health outcomes
The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) and Amerigroup Georgia have awarded $27,000 in scholarships to deserving Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) nursing students dedicated to working in rural Georgia. This scholarship initiative is part of GNF and Amerigroup’s broader efforts to address the severe shortage of healthcare professionals in rural communities, enhance access to care, and improve health outcomes for more Georgians.
“Investing in the education of nursing students is vital for the future of healthcare in Georgia, especially in rural areas where the need is greatest,” said TCSG Commissioner, Greg Dozier. “We are grateful to partner with the Georgia Nurses Foundation and Amerigroup in this important endeavor.”
Nationally, an average of 193,100 openings for registered nurses is projected annually over the next decade. In Georgia, there are fewer than 750 employed registered nurses per 100,000 people, which is one of the lowest rates nationwide.
The scholarship program will grant ten scholarships, worth $2,700 each, to students across ten different rural-based technical colleges where the demand for qualified nurses is particularly urgent.
“As with the rest of the nation, Georgia is confronting a shortage of nurses, a challenge that particularly affects our rural communities,” said Georgia Nurses Foundation President, Wanda Jones. “With that in mind, the Georgia Nurses Foundation received this generous donation from Amerigroup with the shared desire to financially help 10 rural students in their last year of nursing school by awarding them a $2,700 scholarship.”
The selected colleges for the scholarship program are:
- Coastal Pines Technical College
- Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- Lanier Technical College
- North Georgia Technical College
- Oconee Fall Line Technical College
- Southern Crescent Technical College
- Southern Regional Technical College
- Southeastern Technical College
- West Georgia Technical College
- Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Each of these institutions will allocate the funds to nursing students of their choice, ensuring those with considerable need and potential receive support. GNF and Amerigroup’s investment aids not only individual students but contributes to the overall improvement of healthcare services in these regions.
“Amergroup Georgia is committed to reducing health inequities by investing in our future healthcare workforce to ensure that all communities across Georgia have access to essential health services, regardless of their location. We proudly stand with the Georgia Nurses Foundation and the Technical College System of Georgia to improve lives and uplift communities, especially in rural and medically underserved areas.”
Mel Lindsey, President, Amerigroup Georgia
TCSG colleges offer a comprehensive and dynamic nursing focused on practical training and clinical experiences to prepare students for successful healthcare careers. TCSG’s strong connections with local healthcare providers enhance the learning experience, offering students valuable opportunities for real-world application and networking opportunities. This program is a cornerstone in addressing the nursing shortage in Georgia, particularly in rural areas.
For more information about the Georgia Nurses Foundation, please visit their website here.