Employers of all sizes have worked to drive more efficient staffing and education models. In an era defined by staffing shortages, insufficient undergraduate enrollment growth, and rising student debt, employers increasingly look to lock in future employees before graduation. Yet, employer solutions have largely remained fragmented between talent acquisition and benefits tools.
Scholars Network was created to help employers develop novel ways to invest in talent long before an employee's first day on the job. Specifically, Scholars Network secures upstream talent pipelines with employer-backed loan repayment for students entering the healthcare field, and also supports current employees through cost-effective implementation of education benefits. The result is an integrated approach that boosts enrollment in high-need areas and strengthens recruitment and retention across each partner employer's workforce.
Impact Across The Country
The Scholars Network model has been implemented by a diverse range of healthcare providers, from rural employers to urban safety net employers to large academic employers.
"This program will grow North Carolina's nursing workforce while reducing the high costs of turnover, contract labor, and onboarding. By creating a reliable pipeline of well-prepared nurses, we're strengthening patient care and ensuring the long-term health of rural employers like ours."
Dr. Jessie Tucker, President and CEO, UNC Health Wayne
Deb Raupers, Executive Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at The Guthrie Clinic, spoke about the program's early results: "We have been able to increase our recruitment from schools that are participating in these programs… We're filling all of our slots with increased interest growing steadily. We now see interest from organizations that we might never have worked with in the past… We have a very high acceptance rate, and all of these Scholars accepted into our program have gone on and signed their commitments. And I'm pleased to share that we are at 100% retention one year into the program."
The Need for This Model Continues to Grow
Across the country, staffing shortages continue to strain employers and clinics. The Health Resources and Services Administration projects the United States will face a six-figure shortage of Registered Nurses by 2037. Meanwhile, 85% of healthcare facilities in the United States report shortages of allied healthcare workers.
Scholars Network helps solve this problem by working with academic partners to boost enrollment. Upon entering the program, a student commits to working for an employer following graduation. In exchange, the employer makes monthly payments toward their student loans over the course of the work commitment, typically three years. By committing to an employer early in their academic journey, students can align their training to the needs and culture of the organization.
"Scholars Network has helped position West Virginia Wesleyan as a standout choice for prospective students. I recently met with a student who is considering WVWC, and it was clear the program is a significant factor in their decision."
Kimberly White, Director, School of Nursing, West Virginia Wesleyan
The Financial Case For Acting Early
Traditional healthcare recruitment and retention efforts often come too late. According to the NSI National Health Care Retention & RN Staffing Report, replacing a single registered nurse often costs between $50,000 and $80,000 when accounting for recruitment, onboarding, training, lost productivity, and temporary staffing. In many cases, that replacement cost rivals the total tuition required to educate a net new nurse.
"I have seen firsthand the challenges our students and graduates face… This innovative program tackles the crisis from both ends by helping students afford nursing school while also ensuring employers have the skilled professionals they need."
Mary Ellen Glasgow, Dean and Professor, Duquesne University School of Nursing
By reducing reliance on agency staffing, limiting costly turnover, and investing directly in future clinicians, partner employers can redirect millions of dollars toward higher wages, better technology, expanded school capacity, and fully staffed units.