PNC Foundation awards grant to support Upward Mobility RN Scholarship Program

Home / PNC Foundation awards grant to support Upward Mobility RN Scholarship Program

A new grant will provide financial support for qualified Novant Health team members aspiring to become registered nurses.

The PNC Foundation awarded a $96,000 grant, payable over two years, to support the Upward Mobility RN scholarship program for Novant Health team members who aspire to become registered nurses (RNs) and are experiencing financial hardship.

Up to five aspiring RNs will receive scholarships over a two-year period thanks to the grant, which is championed by PNC Community Development Banking.

The Upward Mobility program addresses barriers for economically disadvantaged team members by providing tuition, fees, books and related supplies at area community college nursing programs. The program also provides administrative leave with pay for study time, pairs each participant with a nurse mentor, and provides career and life-coaching services. Additionally, members of the PNC Community Development Banking team will facilitate financial education workshops with program participants. Graduates enter the Novant Health Nurse Residency Program in pursuit of full-time registered nursing positions.

Novant Health created the program in 2018 to support team members while also responding to organizational workforce needs. Within two years, Upward Mobility grew from five to 22 scholars and expanded to include the greater Charlotte, greater Winston-Salem and eastern markets.

Sharon Harrington, Novant Health Foundations chief of staff, understands how difficult pursuing advancement can be for those aspiring to become an RN and said she is grateful support is being provided.

“The academic rigor, financial costs and personal sacrifice associated with becoming an RN can be daunting,” Harrington said. “We are grateful to the PNC Foundation and PNC Community Development Banking for supporting the Upward Mobility program.”

Harrington also understands this grant will not only help individuals, but will improve the health system as a whole.

“This innovative program transforms lives and enriches our organization,” Harrington said. “Our team members deserve every opportunity to advance their careers, and RNs will remain in high demand for the foreseeable future because they are vital to ensuring remarkable healthcare for each patient Novant Health serves.”

The Upward Mobility RN Scholarship program is available to all team members who are interested in becoming an RN and are enrolled in an accredited North Carolina community college nursing program, experiencing financial hardship, and employed with Novant Health continuously for at least one year at the time of application.

Weston Andress, PNC regional president for the western Carolinas, believes that the program is important to the entire community.

“As our region continues on the path to economic recovery, the importance of efforts such as the Upward Mobility RN scholarship program cannot be overstated,” Andress said. “PNC applauds Novant Health for its commitment to advance upward mobility locally through education and employment, while also improving the health and well-being of our communities in a meaningful way.”