WHEELING — Young adults who want to be nurses, but who struggle with college because of financial or other concerns, are getting a boost from WVU Medicine, who is in need of the next generation of health care workers.

A total of 26 local residents about to start college this fall were selected to participate in the WVU Medicine Aspiring Nurses Program. They were invited to the first regional “signing ceremony,” which took place Wednesday at Oglebay Park’s White Palace.

The Aspiring Nurses Program at WVU Medicine provides financial and human-centered support to nursing students enrolled at select schools in West Virginia and neighboring regions.

The students selected to receive the “aspiring nurse” award receive $5,000 a semester for four semesters, and an additional $5,000 upon graduation — for a total of $25,000, explained Jessica Huffman, assistant vice president for WVU Medicine’s Center for Nursing Excellence.

Those attending two- and four-year nursing programs receive the same amount of money, with those in four-year schools getting the money their final two years.

In return, the students agree to a three-year work commitment in the WVU Health System. The selected students signed their contracts in Wheeling on Wednesday.

“We’re giving students up to $25,000 to help support their life needs – whatever those needs might be,” Huffman said. “Each one of you sitting here has a unique situation.

“We didn’t want to just create a scholarship. You may be struggling with childcare or rent… We hope it helps. It might alleviate any extra burdens you have while in school so you can focus on your studies, get through school and join us in the workforce.”

Students apply for the program at wvumedicine.org/aspiring-nurse-program/. An essay and personal interviews are part of the process, and nursing leaders hand pick those who will participate in the program.

“If you are selected, it says a lot about your future,” Huffman added.

Also among those attending the signing ceremony were representatives of WVU Medicine Hospitals throughout the Northern Region, including WVU Medicine Wheeling, Reynolds Memorial, Wetzel County, and Barnesville hospitals. They were joined by administration from Ohio University Eastern, West Liberty University, West Virginia Northern Community College, and Belmont College and their nursing schools.

Many of the students present acknowledged they might not be attending college if it weren’t for the funding from the “Aspiring Nurses” program.

Bailey Ebright, set to attend Ohio University Eastern, already has plans for her future. She hopes to eventually work in a coronary care unit or emergency room probably at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital after she graduates. She also wants to further her education with additional nursing-related degrees and certifications.

“I think this definitely helps push me more into it,” she said of the money she will receive for nursing opportunities.

Holly Vandyne and Cassandra Allen both are about to start at Belmont College.

“The money gives me an opportunity to not have to worry so much about pursuing a future for myself and my family,” Vandyne said. “It would have been a struggle.”

Allen added the funding provides her the opportunity to focus on her studies while not having to have a part-time job while in college.

“It should allow me to be a better nurse when I graduate,” she continued.

Allen was quick with the answer when asked if she would be able to attend college without the Aspiring Nurse Program.

“It would be extremely challenging,” she said.

Karolyn Fox, director of nursing at Belmont College, termed it “heartbreaking” for her when she loses a student there due to a financial situation.

“When we think of life-changing events – life-changing money, this may not seem like life-changing money,” Fox told the students. “But it is a life-changing opportunity for each aspiring nurse to change not only their life, but all those lives you will touch as a nurse.”

Among those also providing comments were Douglass Harrison, WVU Medicine Northern Region president; WLU President Timothy Borchers; WVNCC President Daniel Mosser; Richard Greenless, interim dean of campus and community relations at OUE; and Tony Martinelli, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial and Wetzel County hospitals.