WS Chronicle

Staff Report

The Winston-Salem Chronicle

Students across North Carolina and three other states will have new financial support to pursue careers in health care and STEM fields, as Advocate Health announces a $200,000 scholarship initiative aimed at building a more diverse and sustainable workforce.

The Charlotte-based Advocate Health will award 40 scholarships worth $5,000 each to students pursuing degrees in health care, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related fields. The funding is split evenly, with 20 awards designated for community members and dependents of Advocate Health employees, and 20 reserved for eligible teammates within the organization.

The scholarships are open to students across Advocate Health’s service region, including North Carolina, where access to affordable higher education and workforce pathways remains a key concern for many families—particularly those seeking entry into high-demand medical and technical careers.

“Investing in education is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen the future of health care,” said Michelle Smith, vice president of workforce development and career innovation for Advocate Health. “These scholarships help remove financial barriers for students who are passionate about serving their communities and advancing careers in health care and related fields.”

Expanding access to high-demand careers

The scholarship program supports a wide range of career paths beyond traditional clinical roles, including business, human resources, information technology and finance—fields that play a critical role in modern health systems.

For communities like Winston-Salem and across the Triad, where hospitals and health systems are among the largest employers, workforce pipelines into these fields are closely tied to economic mobility. Programs like this can help reduce barriers for students who might otherwise struggle to afford tuition or training.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Enrollment at least part time in a qualifying health-related field
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 for high school students or 2.75 for college students
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
• Residency in North Carolina, Illinois, Wisconsin or Georgia

Preference will be given to applicants demonstrating financial need, as well as those connected to Advocate Health through employment, family ties or participation in workforce development programs.

Student impact highlights

Past recipients say the scholarship has had a direct impact on their educational journeys and career goals.

“I am passionate about becoming a nurse who makes a difference in patients’ lives through compassionate and skilled care,” said Hannah Hernandez, a 2025 recipient and nursing student at Edgewood University. “This scholarship has not only given me the opportunity to continue my education but has also motivated me to work even harder to reach my dreams.”

Why it matters

North Carolina, like much of the country, continues to face shortages in nursing, allied health and technical roles within health systems. Local leaders and educators have increasingly emphasized the need to invest in training pipelines—particularly for students from underrepresented and historically marginalized communities.

Scholarship programs tied to major health systems can serve as both financial support and recruitment tools, helping ensure that the future workforce reflects the communities it serves.

What’s next

Applications for the Advocate Health Community Scholarship program are open through March 31. Students can apply online through the program’s scholarship portal.

Selected recipients are expected to be announced later this year, with funds supporting the upcoming academic term.

For students and families across Winston-Salem and beyond, the program offers a timely opportunity to pursue careers that are both in demand and deeply rooted in community care.