HENRICO, VA (September 25, 2026) – The Virginia Community Healthcare Foundation (VCHF) is pleased to announce the 2026–27 recipients of the VCHA Community Health Scholarships, a program created by VCHF in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to support the next generation of healthcare professionals serving Virginia communities.
Through this scholarship program, the Foundation is investing in VCHA’s membership and in the Commonwealth by preparing graduate students for careers in nursing and behavioral health. The scholarship provides financial support while strengthening the healthcare workforce and encouraging future professionals to serve communities where access to care remains limited.
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY (VCU) SCHOOL OF NURSING
- Martika Callands
- Enijah Clark
- Melissa Frank
- Ashley Freeman
- Diana Granados
- Savanna Hartbarger
- Alexis Johnson
- Joevelyn Lara
- Andrea Manzano
- Myah Miller
- Kendra Pritchard
- Kaitlyn Truman
Each student will receive $2,500 annually for two years, representing a total scholarship award of $5,000 per recipient. The funding may be used toward tuition, books, and other costs associated with their education.
“Supporting these students today is an investment in the future of healthcare across Virginia,” said Michael Morelius, VCHF Executive Director. “These awardees have demonstrated a commitment to learning, serving others and making a difference in their communities. We’re proud to support them as they pursue careers that can expand access to high-quality care for Virginians who need it most.”
In addition to the scholarship funding, recipients who begin their careers at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Virginia will also be eligible for a $10,000 career award from VCHF. The award is intended to encourage graduates to bring their knowledge, skills and expertise to community health centers and help address the healthcare needs of communities where access to care can be limited.
“By creating a pathway from education to service, the scholarship helps connect talented emerging healthcare professionals with communities across Virginia where their skills can make a meaningful difference,” said Morelius.
Scholarship Program Details
In 2025, VCHA and VCHF collaborated with Virginia Commonwealth University, offering 2-year scholarships for Nurse Practitioner students and 2-year scholarships for Behavioral Health Master’s students. Students are selected based on academic achievement, community service, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to serving medically underserved populations.
About the VCHA Community Health Scholarship
The VCHA Community Health Scholarship provides early-career readiness support for students pursuing careers in public health and community healthcare. The Scholarship is supported in part by a grant from Kaiser Permanente, the VCHA Annual Chairity Golf Fundraiser and by other generous donors. To learn more, or to make a donation to support the future of public health, please visit vcha.org/vcha-communityhealthcare-scholarship.
About Virginia Community Healthcare Foundation (VCHF)
Established in 2023 as a subsidiary of VCHA, VCHF advances quality and affordability in healthcare through its collaboration with VCHA and support from philanthropic individuals, corporations, and other partners. To learn more, visit vcha.org/foundation.
About Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VCHA)
Founded in 1980, VCHA is a non-profit membership organization serving as the primary care association for Virginia’s community health centers and look-alike health centers. Its mission is to advocate, educate, and elevate member health centers, enhancing their ability to provide affordable, accessible, quality healthcare to all communities, regardless of ability to pay. For more information, visit www.vcha.org.
