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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 health care 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). 

Applicants must be a current resident of Western Tidewater, which for this scholarship is defined as the cities of Suffolk and Franklin, and Isle of Wight, Southampton, Sussex, Surry counties and Gates County, North Carolina and all municipalities therein. 

This competitive scholarship will be based on the student’s community service, commitment to a career path in the health care professions, and commitment to stay in or return to Western Tidewater to practice health care. 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 Feb. 1 by completing the common application on the Suffolk Foundation’s website, www.suffolkfoundation.org. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on March 22.

In addition, the Obici Healthcare Foundation Career Pathways Scholarship Fund will provide 10 $2,000 scholarships to Paul D. Camp Community College in 2024 for degree-seeking and continuing education students in health care professions. Scholarships assist with closing the gap in the educational expenses of students who are not otherwise eligible for coverage from other sources of financial assistance. 

“Camp Community College’s health care programs are among the best in our region and the coursework can be challenging,” college President Corey L. McCray, Ph.D, said. “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 that allow them to emphasize their health care program more and reduce the need to work while enrolled, McCray said.

Contact PDCCC at (757) 569-6711 for more information.

Obici Healthcare Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer R. Battle Betts Jr. said the foundation is excited to partner with the Suffolk Foundation and Paul D. Camp Community College to assist area students in attending college in their pursuit of a health care career. 

“The Obici Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors envision these students returning home to serve their communities for years to come,” Betts said. “It is our hope that this partnership can positively impact the shortage of health care 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.

Anyone needing more information should contact foundation Executive Director Lorelei Morrow at 757-923-9090 or email her at lmorrow@suffolkfoundation.org.