East Alabama Health Presents $125K in Scholarships to Local High School Students

During a ceremony held April 30, East Alabama Health presented five local students with $25,000 scholarships to pursue their health care education goals. 

The scholarship recipients all participated in East Alabama Health’s “Earn and Learn” program and were recognized for going above and beyond during their time in the program.

“We are honored to recognize this outstanding group of high school students who have taken the initiative to participate in our Earn and Learn program,” said Jennifer Terry, director of education services and workforce development at East Alabama Health. “Choosing to explore a career in health care while still in high school speaks volumes about these students’ curiosity, dedication and desire to make a difference in the lives of others.”

The following students were presented with scholarships:

• Carrie Banks, Beauregard High School – Associate’s Degree in Nursing Scholarship
• Sophia Daniel, Beulah High School – On-Site Practical Nursing Degree Scholarship
• Hannah Holley, Opelika High School – Associate’s Degree in Nursing Scholarship
• Rolley Len Kirk, Beauregard High School – Associate’s Degree in Nursing Scholarship
• Destiny Scroggins, Auburn High School – On-Site Practical Nursing Degree Scholarship

The Earn and Learn program offers high school students temporary paid positions in a variety of departments throughout the organization. 

Participants in the program work approximately 20 hours per week and receive specialized, on-the-job training while still in school. Program participation may also count for school credit depending upon a student’s situation. 

“Investing in the health of community starts with recognizing and encouraging talent here at home,” said Susan Johnston, chief human resources officer at East Alabama Health. “By offering students real, hands-on experience we create unique learning opportunities that lead to better training, better clinical professionals and better patient care.”

After achieving their higher education goals, the recipients bring their talents home, committing to full-time employment at East Alabama Health for a period aligned with their scholarship support. 

To learn more about the Earn and Learn program at East Alabama Health visit the Earn and Learn page. For more information about East Alabama Health’s workforce development programs and pathways, click here to find a blueprint that fits your career goals. 

Pictured above: Lauren Farris (left), Workforce Development manager at East Alabama Health, poses with scholarship recipients.

About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, East Alabama Medical Center North in Opelika, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 316-bed regional referral hospital. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 4,100 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.