'Ohana Health Plan Provides Scholarships for Aspiring Nurses at UH West O'ahu

The $25,000 contribution will fund the pre-nursing pathway program for students

HONOLULU, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Ohana Health Plan, a leading provider of government-sponsored managed care services in Hawaiʻi and a Centene Corporation company (NYSE: CNC), announced today a $25,000 contribution to the University of Hawaii Foundation for the 'Ohana Health Plan Pre-Nursing Scholarship at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu.

The purpose of the ʻOhana Health Plan Pre-Nursing Scholarship - UH West Oʻahu is to assist students enrolled in the pre-nursing program at UH West O'ahu, with funds to be used for costs associated with attendance (e.g. tuition, books, fees, etc.).

The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu Bachelor of Applied Science, Health Professions, General Health Science concentration with a Pre-Nursing Pathway was designed to address the nursing shortage in the state of Hawaiʻi, specifically the west side of Oʻahu, and aims to develop and prepare scholarly leaders from west Oʻahu who are interested in improving the health and wellness of their community through a career in nursing.

ʻOhana Health Plan initially created the scholarship in 2016 with a $10,000 gift that supported 12 students.

"Hawaii is experiencing a nursing shortage and 'Ohana Health Plan is committed to investing in our local workforce development," said Scott Sivik, Plan President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are pleased to offer another round of Pre-Nursing Pathway Scholarships at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu to students interested in transforming the health of the community, one person at a time."

"Healthcare and increasing the number of healthcare professionals — especially nurses — is paramount in Hawaiʻi," said Dr. Rebecca Romine, Faculty Director of the Pre-Nursing Pathway Program at UH West Oʻahu.

"These scholarships will help reduce financial stress so our students can focus more on their studies and academic performance," said Romine, who is an Associate Professor with the Division of Mathematics, Natural, and Health Sciences at UH West Oʻahu. "The scholarship funds will help students from the west side of Oʻahu learn and practice the skills and knowledge within the pre-nursing curriculum so that they pursue a nursing career."

Nicole Akana, Co-Lead of the Pre-Nursing Pathway Program, added that the scholarship is more than financial support for students.

"It's an investment in the future of healthcare on the west side of our island," Akana said. "By empowering aspiring nurses, we are addressing the critical nursing shortage and strengthening our local workforce, ensuring quality care for our community for generations to come."

The following are among the criteria and eligibility requirements for the ʻOhana Health Plan Pre-Nursing Scholarship - UH West Oʻahu:

• UH West Oʻau student enrolled in the Pre-Nursing Pathway and Partnership Program
• Full-time, undergraduate
• Hawaiʻi resident
• Financial need, not necessarily as defined by federal guidelines
• GPA of 2.0 or above

Visit the UH Foundation website to learn more about the ʻOhana Health Plan Pre-Nursing Scholarship - UH West Oʻahu. Students may apply for the scholarship here.

About 'Ohana Health Plan
'Ohana Health Plan provides government-sponsored managed care services to families – from keiki to kupuna – and individuals with complex medical needs primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (Wellcare), and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare) across the state. 'Ohana Health Plan is a Centene Corporation company, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information, please visit www.ohanahealthplan.com.

SOURCE Centene Corporation