The Illinois Nurses Foundation is delighted to offer the Rural Workforce Development Nurse Scholarship. This program is specifically designed to bolster workforce development in rural areas by offering financial support to nursing students. By doing so, we aim to strengthen the healthcare services in these underserved regions. Candidates must reside in a rural area as identified by HRSA and must express a commitment to work within a rural community upon graduation.
Purpose: To enhance healthcare access and quality in rural areas through the professional growth of nursing students, supporting them financially as they prepare to serve these communities.
Requirements to Qualify for the Scholarship:
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this scholarship:
- Proof of Enrollment or Acceptance: Provide evidence of current enrollment in, or acceptance to, a nursing program in Illinois that is recognized by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- Residency in a Rural Area: Applicants must live in a location classified as rural according to HRSA. Verify your eligibility using the Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer: https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/rural-health.
- Essay on Motivation for Rural Nursing: Submit a 500-word essay detailing your reasons for pursuing a nursing career in a rural setting. Highlight any personal experiences, challenges, or inspirations that have driven your decision to work in rural healthcare.
How to Apply:
Ten $2500 scholarships will be awarded. Applications are to be submitted online through the following link: https://portal4nurses.com/scholarship/application-information/inf/322. Applications will be accepted through January 2nd. Scholarships will be awarded in February 2025.
We are excited about the potential impact of this scholarship program and look forward to supporting nursing students who are committed to making a difference in rural healthcare environments. Through your dedication, we can hope to see transformative effects on both the local communities and the broader healthcare system.