Corning Inc., LECOM partner on full ride scholarship to keep grads in Steuben, Chemung – Corning Leader
A new scholarship program is aiming to keep students local and address significant healthcare shortages in rural areas of Chemung and Steuben counties.
Corning Inc. and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) at Elmira announced the launch of the Corning Incorporated Future Foundations Health Scholarship on Oct. 22.
The scholarship, sponsored by Corning Inc., offers comprehensive financial support, covering full tuition and mandatory fees – valued at up to $50,000 per year – for two students enrolled in LECOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.
In return, scholarship recipients pledge to practice full-time in Chemung or Steuben counties for a minimum of four years after completing their residency in primary care specialties, according to a Corning Inc. spokesperson.
“Amid the significant healthcare challenges facing communities across the Southern Tier, this scholarship represents a transformative investment in the future of rural medicine,” said Millicent Ruffin, Division Vice President, Corning Community Impact. “We are proud to partner with LECOM at Elmira to support aspiring medical professionals in achieving their dreams while fostering a lasting, positive impact in our region.”
Ruffin said the program is a testament to Corning Community Impact’s commitment to improving healthcare access and building a healthier future in the communities where members live and work.
“This scholarship reflects LECOM’s mission to train the next generation of physicians who are dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of their communities,” said Dr. Richard Terry, Dean of LECOM at Elmira. “By offering debt-free medical education to students with a heart for service, we’re not only supporting their professional growth but also ensuring that families in rural Chemung and Steuben counties have access to quality healthcare for years to come.”
The Future Foundations Health Scholarship is designed to attract medical students who are passionate about treating underserved populations.
Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and rural healthcare through volunteer activities and a written personal statement,officials said. The highly selective program ensures that scholars are fully equipped to address the unique challenges of practicing medicine in medically underserved areas.
In addition to financial support, the scholarship includes a service commitment requiring recipients to practice in one of the following high-demand primary care specialties: Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, OB/GYN, or Emergency Medicine. This focus on primary care specialties directly addresses the region’s most critical healthcare needs.
The timeline for the scholarship program is aligned with the admissions process, with applications open now through May 2026, officials said. Recipients must maintain academic progress and professionalism throughout their education to retain the scholarship.
