The Jim and Sue Bernstein
Scholarship Program
About the Scholarships
Apply
The Jim and Sue Bernstein Health Center Scholarship Program provides scholarships to families and the dependents of employees of North Carolina’s rural health clinics.
FHLI’s founding director James (Jim) D. Bernstein dedicated his life to improving health and wellness in North Carolina’s rural communities. An innovator and a motivator, he served as a role model in addressing some of the most difficult rural health care challenges.
As a part of Jim’s commitment to improve rural health, he helped to establish a network of 81 community-based clinics and centers across the state. These clinics not only provide rural communities with better access to health care, but also offer basic health care to all patients, regardless of ability to pay.
In an effort to give back, Jim and his wife, a former Peace Corps volunteer, began the Jim & Sue Bernstein Health Center Scholarship Program. Selected annually by the Jim Bernstein Health Leadership Committee, these scholarships help to relieve some of the financial burden on the employees of eligible health centers by helping to pay for both the clinical education of rural clinic staff members, and the college education of a dependent in any area of interest.
Since its inception in 2006, more than $115,000 has been awarded to more than 89 North Carolina scholars.
Apply for a Scholarship
Bernstein Scholarships are available annually to rural health clinic staff and their dependents.
The 2025 scholarship application period will close on May 30, 2025. Use the following links to learn more and apply for a scholarship:
Eligible Centers as of April 2025
Bakersville Health Center (MCHP)
Benson Area Medical Center
Black River Health Services
Celo Health Center (MCHP)
Chatuge Family Practice
Duplin Medical Association
Engelhard Medical Center
Hot Springs Health Program
Mt Olive Family Medicine Center
Ocracoke Health Center
OIC of Rocky Mount
Robeson Health Care Corporation
Rural Health Group
Tyrrell Rural Health Association
West Life Wellness