Dartmouth Week reporter Abby Van Selous reports that UMass Dartmouth has joined Scholars Network, opening a new pathway for students into clinical careers with reduced student debt. Through the partnership, UMass Dartmouth students can apply to work at participating health systems and receive loan repayment support in exchange for a post-graduation employment commitment.
"This initiative is designed to expand access to high-quality nursing education while directly promoting affordability for our students."
Uloma Onubogu, Assistant Dean of Online Learning, UMass Dartmouth
The collaboration is part of a broader regional push to address healthcare workforce shortages by aligning university-trained graduates with employer demand. Rather than relying on travel staffing or sign-on bonuses, Scholars Network's model pairs employer-funded loan repayment with a defined work commitment — letting graduates start their careers without the weight of student debt and giving health systems a clinical workforce with strong local ties.