Local Chapter Awards First Scholarship to ACC Medical Student

On Jan. 7, 2026 the Alamance County Chapter of Medical Assistants presented its first-ever scholarship, a $250 award, to Andrew Partain, a student enrolled in Alamance Community College’s Medical Assisting program who is expected to complete his studies in May 2026. Partain is also enrolled in the college’s Pharmacy Technician program and has plans to pursue nursing, reflecting a multi-step pathway into clinical care.

The chapter framed the scholarship as an inaugural effort to support local healthcare education and to help build a stable workforce pipeline for Alamance County. While modest in dollar amount, the award signals local professional investment in students completing clinical and technical training at the community college level.

Alamance Community College (ACC) operates the Medical Assisting program that prepares students for roles across clinics, outpatient centers, and other healthcare settings. Community college programs like ACC’s serve as a critical entry point for many students seeking affordable training, credentialing, and upward mobility into nursing and other licensed professions. By targeting support at students currently enrolled, the scholarship aligns with broader workforce development goals to retain trained personnel in the county’s health system.

For local residents, the award has direct and indirect implications. Directly, it provides additional financial help for a student advancing through successive healthcare certifications. Indirectly, investments in training and retention contribute to staffing stability at primary care clinics, long-term care facilities, and pharmacies that serve Alamance communities. A more reliable local workforce can improve access to timely care, reduce reliance on temporary staffing, and support culturally competent services for underserved populations.

The chapter’s action also highlights larger conversations about equitable access to healthcare careers. Small, place-based scholarships can reduce barriers for students balancing work, family, and education, but sustainable improvements will require consistent funding, employer partnerships, and policies that expand training capacity. Local organizations, colleges, and health providers can scale these beginnings into more robust pipelines that both meet employer demand and create economic opportunity for county residents.

The Alamance County Chapter of Medical Assistants said the scholarship was intended to support student success and local healthcare education. As Partain continues his studies through May 2026 and plans further training in nursing, the chapter’s inaugural award represents an early community-led step toward strengthening the county’s health workforce.