Beaufort, South Carolina, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Congresswoman Nancy Mace has announced a $3.87 million grant for the University of South Carolina Beaufort, aimed at tackling the critical nursing shortage in South Carolina. This funding, directed towards the Lowcountry IMPACT project, will benefit 64 nursing students annually by providing financial support and essential resources, particularly for those from underserved areas. The initiative comes amid significant predictions of nursing vacancies in the state by 2036, emphasizing the need for an adequately trained healthcare workforce.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Congresswoman Nancy Mace has announced a significant $3.87 million grant awarded to the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) from the Health Resources and Services Administration. This funding is directed towards the Lowcountry IMPACT project, aimed at addressing the increasingly critical nursing shortage in South Carolina.
This grant comes as the state faces a projected 19% nursing shortage deficit by the year 2037, which is further emphasized by current data showing a 28% nursing shortage in the Palmetto State—one of the highest rates in the nation according to a report from StaffDNA. The initiative seeks to alleviate these shortages by supporting nursing students through various services including stipends.
The funding will particularly focus on helping students from underserved and rural areas, where healthcare access is severely limited. For instance, fourteen counties in South Carolina currently do not have a single OBGYN doctor. This program will enable USCB to provide vital resources, such as scholarships, to alleviate the financial burdens faced by nursing students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees. These students often juggle full-time work alongside their studies, making financial support essential to their success.
Dr. Kim Dudas, the provost at USCB, has expressed gratitude for Congresswoman Mace’s support, acknowledging the university’s accomplishments in nursing education. The funds will assist 64 nursing students annually over a four-year span, facilitating their graduation and integration into a healthcare workforce that is projected to face a vacancy of 13,600 positions by 2036, leaving more than one in five nursing jobs unfilled.
The grant will assist nursing students by providing access to various resources including financial aid, tutoring, peer mentoring, workshops, and programs focused on transitioning into clinical practice. To qualify for this grant, students must be South Carolina residents and plan to work in the state after graduation. With the state’s aging population expected to surpass 1 million residents aged 65 or older by 2030, education programs will increasingly emphasize the need for training caregivers adequate to meet the demands of an aging society.
The nursing program at USCB has seen a recent expansion thanks to its partnership with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, along with the establishment of a new $2.8 million training center in 2022 that features clinical simulation labs. Notably, the nursing program has achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam, indicating the effectiveness of its educational approach.
In summary, the $3.87 million grant provided by Congresswoman Nancy Mace is a crucial step towards combating the nursing shortage in South Carolina and enhancing the capabilities of USCB’s nursing education program, ultimately benefiting the healthcare system of the Lowcountry and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the $3.87 million grant?
The grant aims to support the Lowcountry IMPACT project to address South Carolina’s nursing shortage by providing financial and educational resources for nursing students at USCB.
How many nursing students will benefit from the grant?
Approximately 64 nursing students annually will benefit from the grant over a four-year period.
What kinds of resources will be offered to nursing students?
Resources include financial support, tutoring, peer mentoring, workshops, and transition to practice programs to help nursing students succeed.
What are the eligibility criteria for the nursing program grant?
To be eligible, students must be residents of South Carolina and must intend to work in the state after graduation.
Why is there a nursing shortage in South Carolina?
The nursing shortage is exacerbated by an aging population and a lack of healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas, with a projection of over 13,600 unfilled nursing positions by 2036.
Key Features of the Grant
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $3.87 million |
| Target Institution | University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) |
| Project Name | Lowcountry IMPACT |
| Duration | Four years |
| Annual Beneficiaries | 64 nursing students |
| Eligibility | South Carolina residents intending to work in the state after graduation |
| Projected Nursing Shortage | 19% deficit by 2037, with over 13,600 vacancies by 2036 |
| Training Focus | Aging population care |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
USC Beaufort Receives Major Grant to Address Nursing Shortage
USC Beaufort Nursing Program Secures $3.8 Million Grant
Vocational Education Gains Traction in Beaufort, SC
Beaufort County Faces Critical Medical Provider Shortage
New Nursing Program Launches at USCB’s PATH Center
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Opens PATH Career Development Center
New Nursing Training Facility Opens at Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Beaufort County Enhances Healthcare with New VA Clinic and Hospital
Beaufort Approves $73.1 Million Budget for Community Projects
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: SC University Awarded Grant to Combat State Nursing Shortage
- Quiver Quant: Congresswoman Nancy Mace Announces $3.87 Million Grant for USCB Nursing Program
- Live 5 News: Nurse Escapes Attacker in Hospital Parking Lot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing Shortage
- Live 5 News: Nursing Home Facing Wrongful Death Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Nursing
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
