Kelliann Ashley, a Jersey College student enrolled in the registered nursing (RN) school, is recent a scholarship recipient of the UNCF Healthcare Workforce Diversity Program. The scholarship from UNCF enables her to pursue education in the medical field without an undue financial burden.

In partnership with UNCF, AbbVie, a research-based global biopharmaceutical company, launched this scholarship to create a pipeline program that prepares healthcare professionals from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) for a wide variety of careers in healthcare. This program addresses the racial imbalances in the workforce that contribute to health disparities and aims to improve the quality of healthcare for vulnerable individuals.

While caring for sick family members, including her mother and grandparents, Ashley realized nursing was her passion. Receiving support through scholarships from organizations like UNCF has been transformative for Ashley, helping her focus on her studies and not worry about the financial burden of attending college.

“UNCF scholarships have allowed me to continue my education at a time when it was not possible,” she said. “I was under financial hardship every time that I received a scholarship. It helped alleviate a lot of stress for me and allowed me to focus on school.”

While attending licensed practical nurse (LPN) school at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, Ashley learned about UNCF scholarships and programming. She credits UNCF for expanding her professional network in the nursing field, helping her gain confidence and determination while in RN school. “Aside from the financial aspect, you meet a lot of great professionals—some of which may be in the field you’re considering,” she shared. “UNCF has given me hope when I have doubted myself.”

Through UNCF, Ashley was able to finish LPN school. Now, she’s almost finished with RN school. After graduating from the RN program at Jersey College, Ashley plans to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist and work in the intensive care unit. After nursing school, she plans to obtain her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.

UNCF is proud of our students and alumni who have received scholarships that help them continue their education and graduate. These scholarships are invaluable to students, and UNCF is accepting donations to support students like Kelliann Ashley in their academic endeavors.

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