Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS), in collaboration with Blue Ridge Community College, AdventHealth Hendersonville, and UNC Health Pardee, is proud to announce an exciting new opportunity for high school seniors: the Healthcare Fellows Program.
Through this innovative partnership, 10 selected seniors will receive full financial support for their tuition, books, and required gear at Blue Ridge Community College, provided by one of the sponsoring healthcare organizations. Upon completing their studies, each student will be guaranteed a job in the healthcare field—offering a direct pathway to a rewarding career.
"This program is a game-changer for students interested in healthcare," said Mark R. Garrett, Superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools. "By removing financial barriers and connecting students with our community hospitals, we are investing in the future of our students and strengthening our local healthcare workforce."
Students in the Health Sciences Pathway will be invited to apply for this fellowship while they are in pursuit of their Certified Nurse Aide credential with HCPS. Once accepted into the Healthcare Fellows Program, students will work through completion of any of the Allied Health programs at Blue Ridge while being introduced to the culture of each of the healthcare organizations.
“The Healthcare Fellows Program is a forward-thinking initiative that supports students motivated to pursue education in a healthcare-related field,” said Leigh Angel, Dean of Health Sciences at Blue Ridge Community College. “Led by employers, this program aims to remove financial barriers while fostering mentoring relationships with future healthcare professionals. As an education partner alongside Henderson County Public Schools, Blue Ridge Community College offers a diverse range of short-term credentialing and degree programs to help students build meaningful careers in the healthcare workforce.”
Both UNC Health Pardee and AdventHealth Hendersonville are eager to support the next generation of healthcare professionals through this initiative.
"AdventHealth is honored to support the Healthcare Fellows Program. This initiative not only provides invaluable opportunities for aspiring health care professionals but also strengthens our community by ensuring access to exceptional care,” said Brandon Nudd, FACHE, President and CEO for AdventHealth Hendersonville. “The graduates of Blue Ridge Community College's health care programs on our team have consistently demonstrated their dedication and expertise, significantly enhancing the quality of care in our region. We are proud to be part of this collaborative effort to invest in the future of health care in Henderson County."
"At UNC Health Pardee, we are committed to improving the lives of our community, and we are proud to be a partner for the Healthcare Fellows Program," said Jay Kirby, President and CEO, UNC Health Pardee. "This innovative collaboration is a powerful way to cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals, ensuring that our community has access to skilled and compassionate care for years to come."
