In a major step forward for health care work force development in New Jersey, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and Eastwick College announced the launch of the Eastwick Scholarship Program, a strategic partnership designed to build a sustainable pipeline of health care professionals through aligned education, training and career opportunity.
The initiative brings together one of New Jersey’s largest public hospitals and a leading career-focused educational institution to address growing workforce needs while expanding access to healthcare education.
“At Bergen New Bridge, we believe the future of healthcare depends on how we invest in people today,” Bergen New Bridge CEO Deb Visconi said. “By partnering with Eastwick College, we are creating real opportunity for students while strengthening the workforce our communities rely on.”
The Eastwick Scholarship Program is designed to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing health care careers while aligning education with real-world workforce demands.
Through the partnership:
- Eligible students will receive scholarship support to pursue healthcare-focused education at Eastwick College;
- Students will gain exposure to clinical environments and career pathways connected to Bergen New Bridge Medical Center;
- The program will help develop a skilled, diverse workforce prepared for high-demand health care roles.
Tom Eastwick, the president and founder of Eastwick College and a long time Foundation Trustee for the Medical Center, said the partnership connects education directly to opportunity.
“Investing in education helps provide workforce ready students and is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen health care for our communities,” he said.
As New Jersey’s largest hospital, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center plays a critical role in delivering care to diverse communities across the region. The organization has made workforce development a strategic priority, recognizing that strong patient care begins with strong people.
The scholarship program reflects a growing model of collaboration between healthcare providers and educational institutions, where shared leadership helps close workforce gaps and strengthen local communities.
The Eastwick Scholarship Program supports both organizations shared goals of:
- Expanding access to career-focused education;
- Supporting economic mobility through healthcare careers;
- Building sustainable workforce pipelines;
- Strengthening New Jersey’s healthcare system for the future.
“This is about building solutions that last,” Visconi said. “When health care and education work together, we create pathways that change lives.”
