UAB Medicine is proud to recognize the latest recipients of the Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship, a national program that supports employees pursuing a career in nursing. This year’s distributions are valued at over $400,000.
The initiative helps address the growing demand for nurses by providing financial assistance to eligible employees pursuing nursing education. Funded by anonymous benefactors, the program helps cover tuition, educational materials, uniforms, and other reasonable educational expenses. Preference is given to those pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN).
Listed alphabetically by first name, the 2026 recipients are:
- Arianna Grant – advanced certified clinical medical assistant, Whitaker Clinic of UAB Hospital
- Berneishia Palmore – certified clinical medical assistant, The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital
- Charles Daniel – patient encounter specialist, The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital
- Christina Ndolo – clinical research coordinator II, UAB Hospital
- Darrin Griggs – patient care technician, UAB Hospital
- Deliah Clark – certified surgical technologist, UAB St. Vincent’s East
- Hailey Phillips – patient care technician, UAB Hospital-Highlands
- Jenise Smith – clinical data analyst, UAB Hospital
- Kadee Simpson – certified surgical technologist, UAB Hospital
- Keochia Zinnerman – patient care technician, UAB Hospital
- Khairaty Jalloh – patient care technician, UAB Hospital
- Kinsley Marsh – perioperative services care tech, UAB Hospital
- Madeline Dixon – certified medical assistant, UAB Gardendale Primary & Specialty Care
- Madilyn Layfield – patient care technician, UAB Hospital
- Marissa Minyard – certified occupational therapy assistant, UAB Hospital
- Ross Cowart – patient care technician, UAB Hospital
- Sherwin Marashinia – clinical research coordinator II, UAB Hospital
- Tiffany Shepard – physical therapist assistant, UAB Hospital
- Tinesha Clayton – certified clinical medical assistant, UAB 1917 Clinic at Dewberry
These recipients exemplify a commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning. Through their dedication to educational advancement, they are helping strengthen the future of nursing and continuing UAB Medicine’s mission of providing exceptional patient care.
Congratulations to all of the recipients as they continue their journey to becoming registered nurses.
For questions or more information about the Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship Program, please email Aaryn LeVert-Kidd at rfts@uabmc.edu.