York Technical College President Dennis Merrell accepted a check from Piedmont President and CEO Charlie Miller for $14,688, this year’s annual donation to the college’s scholarship fund. "The ongoing support of Piedmont Medical Center has made a real difference in the lives of hundreds of our students in nursing and allied health programs," Merrell said. "But it has also helped us to address the critical need in our community for good health care and for qualified healthcare providers."

Over the last seven years, Piedmont Medical Center has provided $111,735 in scholarships for students in health-related programs at the college. Last year, Piedmont Medical Center also awarded the York Technical College Foundation a $45,000 grant that allowed the college's Associate Degree Nursing program to expand enrollment.

This past fall, 535 York Technical College students enrolled in allied health and nursing programs.

“At Piedmont, we believe it’s our duty to go beyond our daily task of providing high quality care to our patients. For the benefit of all the communities we serve, we must plan constantly for tomorrow,” Miller says. “That planning encompasses services, technology, facilities – but most of all, compassionate, highly skilled people. And it’s supporting and encouraging that next generation of healthcare workers that brings us here today.”

Piedmont and York Technical College have worked together for years to offer support to students interested in pursuing healthcare degrees.

To increase the reach of the college’s nursing programs, Piedmont provides not only annual scholarships but funding additional part-time faculty as well as some equipment and supplies necessary to support growth in enrollment. Piedmont has also been a supporter of the college’s past capital campaigns.

“Our goal is to ensure that no financial barrier keeps students from choosing healthcare fields or continuing their education. Because of our strong alliance with York Tech and its quality programs, we’re well on our way to achieving that,” says Miller.

Following today’s remarks and check presentation, York Technical College representatives provided high school students with information on healthcare courses, while Piedmont representatives talked with students about the range of positions available in health care today.