Philly Leader

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced a $5 million investment in the Nursing Shortage Assistance Program during a visit to Temple Health. This initiative, part of his proposed 2025-26 budget, is modeled on the Temple Nursing Scholars Program. The program ensures nursing students have job security and student debt repayment while training at Temple Health, with a commitment to work there for three years post-graduation.

Governor Shapiro highlighted Temple's role as a model for addressing nursing shortages across Pennsylvania. "Temple is already doing incredible work in this space: they’ve started an initiative that we want to emulate and build up all across Pennsylvania," he stated.

The governor emphasized the dual benefits of the program: hospitals gain a reliable workforce, and students receive financial support and career opportunities. "Hospitals win because they get a guaranteed workforce of trained nurses that they can rely on," he explained.

Michael A. Young, President & CEO of Temple Health, noted their successful recruitment efforts through the program. Chaudron Carter Short, Chief Nurse Executive at Temple Health, reported significant interest from aspiring nursing professionals and progress in meeting enrollment targets.

Maura Cabry, a participant in the Nursing Scholars Program, shared her positive experience at the press conference. She expressed gratitude for the program's impact on her career path and financial stability.

Governor Shapiro underscored the urgency of addressing nursing vacancies projected by 2026. "The time to act is now," he said, emphasizing collaboration to prevent future crises.

He concluded by praising Temple's leadership and expressing his vision for expanding similar initiatives statewide: "I want more Mauras across Pennsylvania."