FARGO, N.D. — The Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 Health Profession and Health Care Leader Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support North Dakota students pursuing careers in health care and to help address the state’s growing need for qualified health professionals.

“We are proud to invest in the next generation of health care professionals,” said Amber Blomberg, executive director of the BCBSND Caring Foundation. “These students are the future of care in our state, and we want to help them succeed in their education and their mission to serve others.”

Each year, the BCBSND Caring Foundation awards 30 students with a $2,500 Health Profession Scholarship and one student with a $5,000 Health Care Leader Scholarship. Recipients from around the state are pursuing a wide range of health care fields, including nursing, pharmacy, behavioral health and more.

Those students include Joslyn Nordmark from Rolla, N.D., who received the scholarship in 2024.

“The BCBSND Caring Foundation scholarship greatly impacted my studies of occupational therapy at the University of North Dakota. I feel valued as a future health care worker, and it motivates me to strive for excellence,” she said.

They also include Madison Shreffler of West Fargo.

“This scholarship eased financial stress for my family while I pursue both my PharmD and MBA. I’ll graduate with fewer loans and be one step closer to opening my own community pharmacy,” she said.

Why it matters

North Dakota continues to face a shortage of health care providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. According to the according to the “Health and Well-Being in North Dakota Closeup” study conducted by North Dakota State University (NDSU) Center for Social Research and funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation many counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), meaning they lack enough primary care, dental or mental health professionals to meet community needs. The BCBSND Health Scholarships support these students and address this gap.

Who is eligible

  • Full-time students who are:
    • Pursuing a degree in a health-related field (e.g., nursing, pharmacy, behavioral health, etc.)
    • Demonstrating a commitment to improving health outcomes in North Dakota
    • Residing in North Dakota
    • In good academic standing at a North Dakota college, university or technical school
    • Demonstrating financial need

How to apply

About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Caring Foundation

Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues to help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff collaborate with grantees to support non-profit sustainability, promote shared outcomes and create lasting change.

[email protected] | www.bcbsnd.com

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