Suffolk, VA, January 26, 2024 — The Obici Healthcare Foundation and the Suffolk Foundation are pleased to announce the establishment of the Obici Healthcare Foundation Career Pathways Scholarship Fund.
In the spring of 2024, $30,000 will be awarded to three graduating high school seniors ($10,000 per student) who plan to enroll full-time at an accredited college or university in the fall to major in a healthcare related field of study. The scholarships may be renewable for subsequent years or semesters of study, including through graduate or medical school (up to eight years of study). Applicant must be a current resident of Western Tidewater, which, for the purposes of this scholarship, is defined as City of Suffolk, City of Franklin, Isle of Wight County, Southampton County, Sussex County, Surry County, and Gates County (NC), and all municipalities therein. This competitive scholarship will be based on the student’s community service, commitment to a career path in the healthcare professions, and commitment to stay in (or return to) Western Tidewater to practice healthcare. Applicants may be home-schooled or enrolled at any public or private high school.
Students can apply for the Obici Healthcare Foundation Career Pathways Scholarship beginning February 1, 2024, by completing the Common Application on the Suffolk Foundation’s website, www.suffolkfoundation.org. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on March 22, 2024.
In addition, the Obici Healthcare Foundation Career Pathways Scholarship Fund will provide for ten $2,000 scholarships in 2024 to Paul D. Camp Community College for degree-seeking and continuing education students in healthcare professions, to assist with closing the gap in students’ educational expenses that are not otherwise eligible for coverage from other sources of financial assistance. Dr. Corey L. McCray, President of Paul D. Camp Community College, states that “Camp Community College’s healthcare programs are amongst the best in our region and the coursework can be challenging. Many who are interested in enrolling or have already enrolled are balancing their studies with tuition and other life expenditures. The Obici Healthcare Foundation and Suffolk Foundation help with this by providing Camp Community College students with scholarships which allows students to place more emphasis on their healthcare program and reduce the need to work while enrolled.” Contact PDCCC at (757) 569-6711 for information.
As stated by R. Battle Betts, Jr., President and CEO of the Obici Healthcare Foundation, “The Obici Healthcare Foundation is excited to partner with the Suffolk Foundation and Paul D. Camp Community College to assist area students to attend college in their pursuit of a career in healthcare. The Obici Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors envision these students returning home to serve their communities for years to come. It is our hope that this partnership can positively impact the shortage of healthcare workers in our area.”
The mission of the Obici Healthcare Foundation is to improve the health status of the people living in the service area, and the Suffolk Foundation is proud to be the administrator of this scholarship fund which will undoubtedly contribute to the long-term health of our community. The Suffolk Foundation currently manages 16 scholarships.
Pictured in the Nursing Lab at the Hobbs Suffolk Campus of Paul D. Camp Community College, where Licensed Practical Nursing classes are currently held: R. Battle Betts, Jr., Obici Healthcare Foundation President and CEO; Kelvin E. Turner, II, Obici Healthcare Foundation Program Manager; Jeffrey Zeigler, Paul D. Camp Community College Director of Institutional Advancement; Lorelei Morrow, Suffolk Foundation Executive Director; and Dr. Corey L. McCray, Paul D. Camp Community College President
