Rep. Nancy Mace Supported $3.87 Million Grant Awarded To USCB

(Charleston, S.C., October 9, 2025)- Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) announced the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) has been awarded $3.87 million over four years through the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Nursing Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention (NEPQR) Workforce Expansion Program Grant.

The funding will support USCB's Lowcountry IMPACT project, which addresses South Carolina's nursing shortage, a challenge felt across the Lowcountry. The program provides stipends, strong support services, and a 12-month transition program to prepare graduates for success and keep more nurses serving in the Lowcountry.

According to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, South Carolina is projected to face a 19% shortage of registered nurses by 2037, which is nearly 11,900 nurses. Investments like USCB's grant are critical to closing this gap, ensuring families have access to quality care and nurses have the support they need.

"This grant is a significant victory for the Lowcountry and for the future of our nursing workforce," said Congresswoman Mace."South Carolina faces a growing shortage of nurses, and this grant provides the resources, training, and long-term support needed to keep more nurses on the frontlines of care. Strengthening our healthcare workforce is essential to ensuring families across the Lowcountry have access to quality care and to building a healthier, stronger future for our state."

USCB leadership echoed the importance of this investment. "We are beyond excited! The grant brings in $3.87 million over four years. As always, we are appreciative of Rep. Mace and team for their support of USCB," said Dr. Dudas, Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Rep. Mace's office supported this application and worked closely with HRSA & USCB, including submitting a letter of support to HRSA on behalf of USCB, underscoring the university's strong record in nursing education, including a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate.

See the Letter of Support below:

###