Humana Inc. Launches Humana Scholars Program to Support Kentucky's Nursing Workforce

On February 5, 2026, Humana Inc. made a significant announcement aimed at bolstering Kentucky’s nursing workforce by launching the Humana Scholars program in partnership with Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC). This initiative is part of Humana’s commitment to address the pressing workforce shortages in the healthcare sector, particularly in home health nursing—a sector anticipated to grow substantially due to an aging population and shifting patient preferences.

Humana is investing a total of $125,000 into the Humana Scholars program, which consists of two main components: a Scholarship Fund and a Student Support Fund. The program is designed to assist first-year nursing students at Jefferson who are interested in pursuing careers in home health nursing. Initially, eight students will be selected to receive support through scholarships, as well as assistance in overcoming barriers such as food insecurity and transportation issues.

Jim Rechtin, CEO of Humana, expressed the company's dedication to fostering education within the communities it serves: “The Humana Scholars program supports education in the communities that we serve. It also addresses a critical workforce shortage in home health nursing.” Rechtin emphasized the importance of investing in local communities to build a pipeline of skilled, compassionate nurses.

Jefferson was selected as the first institution for the Humana Scholars program due to its scale, diverse program offerings, and geographic proximity to Humana's workforce in Louisville. The partnership is a core component of Humana’s broader collaboration with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), which may expand to include additional colleges in the future.

Dr. Ryan Quarles, president of KCTCS, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Humana’s commitment to investing in its people makes them an outstanding addition to KCTCS’s Education First Employers program.” This partnership is indicative of a larger initiative aimed at improving accessible education and workforce training for Kentuckians.

The need for skilled home health nurses is growing, driven by advances in technology and patients’ preferences for care in familiar settings. As part of this initiative, Humana’s CenterWell Home Health division, which operates in 37 states, will play a critical role in providing home-centered healthcare. With over 10,000 nurses employed across its various divisions, Humana is positioning itself as a leader in the home health sector.

Kathy Driscoll, Humana’s Chief Nursing Officer, emphasized that academic scholarships alone are insufficient to support future nurses, noting that many potential candidates face additional challenges that could hinder their educational journeys. “It’s important that we help minimize those issues so students can keep their focus on their education and continue to succeed upon graduation,” Driscoll stated.

The Humana Scholars program is not Humana's first initiative aimed at supporting the nursing workforce. In December 2025, the company partnered with the national Nurses on Boards Coalition to provide mentorship for nursing students, contributing $110,000 to support the Mentoring for Success program. Additionally, in February 2025, Humana collaborated with Eastern Kentucky University and the Kentucky state government to establish a home health simulation center, investing $75,000 to equip faculty with necessary resources.

These efforts illustrate Humana's commitment to enhancing education, training, and personalized support for emerging nurses, thereby addressing a critical need in the healthcare sector.

Humana’s launch of the Humana Scholars program marks a significant step in the right direction for both education and healthcare in Kentucky. By investing in future nursing professionals and reducing barriers to their education, Humana is not only enhancing the quality of care but also contributing to the overall economic stability of the communities it serves. As the program develops, it has the potential to serve as a model for other organizations looking to address workforce shortages in essential sectors.