Student Scholarship Opportunities

The Ben & LaVonne Copeland Scholarship provides $5,000 divided over a maximum of three semesters ($1,000 first and second semester & $3,000 for third semester) to Wiregrass students enrolled in the LPN to RN Bridge program. Students with a GPA of 2.5 enrolled on the Valdosta Wiregrass campus are eligible for application for fall semester only. Our Copeland Smart Start Bonus Scholarship application process will open on May 3, 2027. Please submit your application by July 16, 2027.

Scholarship Criteria:

1. Applicants must be employed at SGMC Health or have a signed letter of intent from SGMC Health.
2. Applicants must have and maintain a 2.5 grade point average to be eligible to apply.
3. Applicants must be enrolled in the LPN to RN Bridge Program.
4. Applicants must attend the Valdosta Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Campus.

Scholarship Requirements:

1. Obtain a Letter of Recommendation from Nurse Manager or Instructor
2. Provide Copy of Unofficial Transcript
3. Complete Scholarship Questionnaire
4. Provide Personal Statement on why you are interested in health care and SGMC Health

Application Process:

Apply for the Copeland Smart Start Bonus Scholarship

The SGMC Health Pre‑Medical Student Scholarship honors the lasting legacy of Dr. Joseph Hayes, Dr. Stephen Zeigler, and Dr. Bridgett Moore, whose dedication to compassionate care, clinical excellence, and service has profoundly shaped the health and well‑being of our community. Through their commitment to patients, mentorship of future healthcare professionals, and unwavering leadership, these physicians exemplify the values of service, integrity, and excellence at the heart of SGMC Health. This scholarship seeks to support aspiring physicians who share their passion for medicine, community service, and lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others.

This scholarship offers $3,000 annually—$1,500 per semester for up to four semesters—to Georgia-enrolled juniors or seniors majoring in Biology or Pre-med. Eligible applicants must hold a 3.5+ GPA and a minimum 500 MCAT score. Our SGMC Health Pre-Medical Student Scholarship application process will open on May 3, 2027. Please submit your application by July 16, 2027.

Scholarship Criteria:

1. Current or past resident of Berrien, Brooks, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, or Lowndes County
2. Enrolled in a Georgia College or University
3. Must hold a 3.5+ GPA
4. Must have a minimum 500 MCAT score, or be scheduled for test
5. Must be a rising undergraduate junior or senior

Scholarship Requirements:

1. Obtain a Letter of Recommendation
2. Provide a copy of unofficial transcript
3. Complete Scholarship Questionnaire
4. Provide Personal Statement on why you are interested in health care and SGMC Health

Application Process:

Online application

The SGMC Health Scholarship was established in 2023 by a generous gift from the SGMC Foundation in order to provide scholarships to Lowndes High School seniors seeking to pursue a career in the field of health care. The SGMC Scholarship exists to alleviate some of the financial burden of higher education in order to help create a future for healthcare students in South Georgia. SGMC Scholarship recipients will be awarded $1,000.

Scholarship Criteria:

• LHS Seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher interested in seeking a career in the healthcare industry
• Students must plan on attending a post-secondary institution in the State of Georgia during the duration of the scholarship year
• Students must have an expressed interest in returning to South Georgia to serve in the field of health care upon college graduation.
• Student must be a U.S. citizen

Application Process:

The SGMC Health Scholarship application process will be facilitated through the Lowndes Education Improvement Foundation Office. Please contact the school with any questions.

The SGMC Health Scholarship was established in 2023 by a generous gift from the SGMC Foundation in order to provide scholarships to Valdosta High School and/or Valdosta Early College Academy seniors seeking to pursue a career in the field of health care. The SGMC Health Scholarship exists to alleviate some of the financial burden of higher education in order to help create a future for healthcare students in South Georgia. SGMC Health Scholarship recipients will be awarded $1,000.

Scholarship criteria:

• VHS/VECA Seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher interested in seeking a career in the healthcare industry
• Students must plan on attending a post-secondary institution in the State of Georgia during the duration of the scholarship year
• Students must have an expressed interest in returning to South Georgia to serve in the field of health care upon college graduation.
• Student must be a U.S. citizen

Application Process:

The SGMC Health Scholarship application process will be facilitated through the Valdosta City Schools Foundation Office. Please contact the school with any questions.

The Jay Shaw Scholarship (JSS) was established to provide scholarships to assist students pursuing a career in the health care field. JSS initiated as a memorial to honor the late State Representative Jay Shaw for his dedication and commitment to quality loyal health care. Mr. Shaw used his position in the Georgia Legislature to advocate for healthcare advancement, and in particular, hospitals in South Georgia. The Jay Shaw Scholarship provides $1,000 per semester for a maximum of 8 semesters to Lanier County High School graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an interest in the healthcare industry attending a post-secondary institution in the State of Georgia.

The Jay Shaw Scholarship application process will be facilitated through the Lanier County High School Guidance Office. Please contact the school with any questions.

Application Requirements:

1. Complete scholarship application
2. Provide letter of recommendation
3. Provide letter of acceptance to a post-secondary institution in the State of Georgia
4. Provide an essay describing why the applicant is entering into his/her chosen profession
5. Official high school transcript

Application Process:

The Jay Shaw Scholarship application process will be facilitated through the Lanier County High School Guidance Office. Please contact the school with any questions.