Baptist Health Paducah, Murray State award nursing scholarships through state workforce program
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — Baptist Health Paducah and Murray State University have awarded their first nursing scholarships through a statewide workforce initiative aimed at addressing healthcare shortages.
The scholarships are funded through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s Workforce Development Incentive Fund, which supports students pursuing high-need healthcare careers.
Officials said the partnership represents a $500,000 investment, including $250,000 from the state and a $250,000 match from Baptist Health Paducah with support from the Baptist Health Foundation. The funding will provide up to 10 scholarships of up to $50,000 each for students pursuing Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees at Murray State.
The first three recipients have been selected through a competitive process. Eligible students must be Kentucky residents enrolled in a BSN program, maintain at least a 3.25 GPA and commit to working in Kentucky after graduation.
Recipients agree to work in the state for at least one year for each year of funding, with the opportunity to fulfill that requirement at Baptist Health Paducah.
Officials said the program is designed to strengthen the nursing workforce, particularly in rural areas.
The initiative marks the first Workforce Development Incentive Fund award for both Baptist Health Paducah and Murray State, as well as the first in western Kentucky.
