New Loan Discount Program to Attract, Retain Virginia Teachers and Nurses
By Rick Robey, Sallie Mae

The demand for nurses and teachers nationwide continues to outpace supply. Virginia presents no exception to this trend, and in recent years the state has witnessed the exodus of well-qualified teachers and nurses who have left the state in search of higher-paying jobs.

A new loan discount program announced by Governor Warner and Sallie Mae is designed to provide greater incentives for nursing and teaching students to seek their education and their careers in Virginia.

“Good teachers and nurses are critical to Virginia’s future,” Governor Mark R. Warner said. “Our ability to prepare young Virginians for the future and to care for families when they are ill depends on attracting and retaining the very best teachers and nurses our nation can offer. I applaud Sallie Mae for stepping up to help us keep good teachers and nurses right here at home.”

Nursing and teaching students interested in the program can learn more at www.salliemae.com/va.

(From L to R - Dr. Gary Rhodes, President, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College; Governor Mark Warner; Kathleen deLaski, president, The Sallie Mae Fund, with nursing and teaching students