Beaufort, South Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina – Beaufort has received a $3.8 million federal grant aimed at mitigating the nursing shortage in South Carolina, which currently stands at 28%. The funding will support nursing students in rural areas and enhance their educational resources, including scholarships, tutoring, and mentoring. With an urgent need for healthcare professionals and a projected 13,600 nursing vacancies by 2036, this initiative is essential to improving graduation rates and ensuring the state’s healthcare needs are met.
Beaufort
The University of South Carolina – Beaufort (USCB) has secured a significant federal grant of $3.8 million aimed at addressing the escalating nursing shortage in South Carolina. This four-year grant comes at a critical time, as the state’s nursing shortage is currently reported at 28%, making it one of the highest in the nation.
According to U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, South Carolina ranks among the states with the most pressing nursing shortages, with various counties lacking essential medical professionals. For instance, 14 counties in the state are reported to have no OB-GYN doctors available, highlighting the urgency of the healthcare crisis.
The primary focus of the grant is to enhance support for nursing students in rural and underserved areas. Dr. Kim Dudas, USCB Provost, stated that this funding signifies an investment in the future of young people and aims to improve graduation rates by providing necessary resources for students facing barriers during their education.
The grant will play a pivotal role in alleviating the burdens faced by nursing students, ultimately helping them to graduate and secure employment in healthcare facilities within South Carolina. A core aspect of the grant will be to offer scholarships to nursing students, providing financial assistance to those who may otherwise struggle to afford their education.
Additionally, the grant includes a range of supportive measures such as:
- Financial support and tutoring for nursing students
- Upper-class peer mentoring to encourage student engagement
- Student success workshops that provide essential skills
- Expanded clinical partnerships and training opportunities
- A 12-month transition to practice program to help graduates adjust to the workforce
Eligibility for these programs requires that nursing students be residents of South Carolina, with a commitment to work in the state upon graduation. Currently, USCB has more than 100 nursing students enrolled, and last year, their nursing program achieved a remarkable 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, indicating the high quality of education provided.
Each year, the grant aims to assist 64 nursing students for the duration of the funding, directly addressing the nursing shortage projected to create around 13,600 vacancies by 2036, placing South Carolina as having the seventh-largest nursing shortage in the country. In addition to assisting students, the grant’s objectives include enhancing recruitment and retention strategies for diverse nursing students.
To further combat the nursing shortage, USCB has partnered with Beaufort Memorial Hospital to create a state-of-the-art $2.8 million training facility that features modern simulation labs for nursing students, providing them with hands-on experience in a controlled environment. Many nursing students face challenges that can hinder their education, including financial pressures and full-time work obligations. This grant intends to bridge that gap, particularly for first-generation college students who may lack familial financial support.
As the state’s population ages, the demand for healthcare services is expected to rise significantly. By the year 2030, more than 1 million residents in South Carolina are anticipated to be aged 65 or older, further intensifying the need for healthcare providers. In collaboration with this initiative, USCB is adding courses designed specifically to equip students to care for an aging population, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are capable of meeting the needs of South Carolina’s residents.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the $3.8 million grant awarded to USCB?
The grant is intended to address the ongoing nursing shortage in South Carolina, focusing on supporting nursing students in rural and underserved areas.
How will the grant help nursing students?
The grant will provide scholarships, financial support, tutoring, peer mentoring, and workshops to aid nursing students in completing their education and transitioning into the workforce.
What are the eligibility requirements for students benefiting from the grant?
Students must be residents of South Carolina and agree to work in the state upon graduation.
How many students will be assisted annually through this grant?
The grant aims to assist 64 nursing students each year for four years.
Key Features of the Grant
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $3.8 million over four years |
| Nursing Shortage Percentage | 28% in South Carolina |
| Counties Without OB-GYNs | 14 counties |
| Students Supported Annually | 64 nursing students |
| Current USCB Nursing Enrollment | Over 100 students |
| Expected Older Population by 2030 | Over 1 million aged 65+ |
| Nursing Vacancies by 2036 | 13,600 projected vacancies |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 100% last year |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
USCB Receives $3.8 Million Grant to Tackle Nursing Shortage
USCB Secures $3.8 Million Grant to Combat Nursing Shortage
USC Beaufort Secures $3.8 Million Grant to Address Nursing Shortage
University Secures $3.8 Million Grant to Address Nursing Shortage
USC Beaufort Receives $3.8 Million Federal Grant to Address Nursing Shortage
USCB Receives $3.87 Million Grant to Address Nursing Shortage
USC Beaufort Receives Major Grant to Address Nursing Shortage
USC Beaufort Nursing Program Secures $3.8 Million Grant
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Opens PATH Career Development Center
Beaufort County Enhances Healthcare with New VA Clinic and Hospital
Additional Resources
- WRDW: SC University Gets Grant to Combat Nursing Shortage
- Wikipedia: Nursing Shortage
- SC Daily Gazette: USC Beaufort Nursing Students Financial Aid
- Google Search: Nursing Scholarships South Carolina
- Bluffton Today: Beaufort Memorial Welcomes USCB Nursing Students
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing
- Your Island News: USCB Nursing Students Begin Classes
- Google News: Nursing Training South Carolina
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.
