Camden Clark expands support for local students, awarding up to $17,000 in healthcare scholarships

March 3, 2026

WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center is continuing to invest in local communities by offering up to $17,000 in scholarships for local college students in 2026. These scholarships will be made available for students pursuing careers in nursing and other healthcare-related fields.  

Funded through the Camden Clark Foundation and Hospital Auxiliary, these scholarships help strengthen the local healthcare workforce by supporting students and nurses who are building their futures in the region. 

“These scholarships are an investment in the future of care in the Mid-Ohio Valley,” said Kim Couch, WVU Medicine Camden Clark Foundation executive director. “With support from the Hospital Auxiliary and Nursing Alumnae, we’re helping reduce financial barriers for students pursuing nursing and other healthcare careers. Our goal is to help grow the next generation of healthcare professionals and keep that talent close to home.” 

The Camden Clark Auxiliary will award up to four separate $3,000 Leo D. Carsner Memorial Scholarships, based on meeting scholarship criteria. Area college students obtaining a degree in a healthcare-related field are eligible for the scholarships, which are presented in memory of Leo D. Carsner, who served as the CEO and president of Camden Clark Memorial Hospital from 1963–1989. 

Leo D. Carsner Scholarship criteria include: 

  • Live in the area served by WVU Medicine Camden Clark, which includes 11 counties in West Virginia and Ohio.   
  • Have completed one year of college at an accredited school or be in the final weeks of their first year of college carrying at least 12 credit hours. Applicants must be college students obtaining a degree in a healthcare related field.    
  • Applicants must be college students obtaining an undergraduate or post baccalaureate degree in a healthcare related field. 
  • Applicants will be judged on their scholastic ability, leadership attributes, potential contribution to the healthcare field, and financial need. 
  • All funds awarded will be paid directly to the college or university of the chosen recipients.   

The Camden Clark Foundation will award two $2,500 scholarships on behalf of the Camden Clark Nursing Alumnae, in memory of Ella Bloomheart, former Director of Nursing, and Barbara Fonte, a grateful patient. These scholarships are available to college students who have completed their first year at an accredited school of nursing or currently employed RNs furthering their education.   

Camden Clark Foundation Nursing Alumnae Scholarship criteria include:   

  • Provide written documentation of acceptance to a Registered Nurse program accredited by the National League of Nursing (NLN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).  
  • Live in the area served by WVU Medicine Camden Clark, which includes 11 counties in West Virginia and Ohio.  
  • Have completed one year of college at an accredited school as a nursing student or be in the final weeks of their first year of college carrying at least 12 credit hours OR a currently employed RN furthering their education. 
  • All scholarship funds awarded must be used within the next academic year. 

The application deadline for Camden Clark’s 2026 scholarship opportunities is April 17. Both applications are available by visiting the Camden Clark Education Opportunities webpage. Completed applications can be mailed to Camden Clark Foundation, P.O. Box 1834, Parkersburg, WV 26102. 

For more information, or to receive an application, please contact Kim Couch at (304) 424-2200 or [email protected].