GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) -Future caregivers will be able to continue their education all thanks to a generous fund.

East Carolina University’s College of Nursing has been given a $1 million gift from the Service League of Greenville, giving scholars full tuition and fees for the academic year when they receive it.

The university says the major gift is one of the first made through the ECU Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm supporting ECU Health and the ECU health sciences campus.

“It is fitting for the Service League endowment to be one of the first major gifts established through the ECU Health Foundation as it highlights the alignment of the health system and the university and our shared mission to benefit the well-being of eastern North Carolina,” said Scott Senatore, chief philanthropy officer of the foundation. “The Service League is an outstanding community partner and a prime example of the relational bonds that connect ECU Health and the university. Their gift will further student success in the College of Nursing and outstanding patient care at ECU Health.”

Jeanne Martin, the nursing department’s interim chair, said the scholarships remove barriers for students who are putting themselves through school.

“This scholarship will pay dividends for a long, long time,” Martin said. “The need is real, and this is going to make a big difference.”

To qualify for this scholarship, students must be state residents and demonstrate are in need financially, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, and are committed to serving their community.