Increase of $2 million over last year to combat nursing shortage

ROCHELLE – Pursuing a degree in nursing in Illinois? Now is the time to apply for up to $4 million in nursing scholarships, a substantial increase over last year due to the statewide nursing shortage.

Rochelle Community Hospital (RCH) Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Crawford is championing the Nursing Education Scholarship Program, a state program providing financial assistance to qualified individuals pursuing an associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree in nursing or those pursuing a certificate in practice nursing.

“Investing in the education and training of nurses is not only an investment in their future, but also in the health and wellbeing of our communities,” Crawford, who is also serving as president of the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing, said. “By nurturing and cultivating the talents of our future nurses, we can create a brighter, healthier future for all."

Scholarships range from one year to five years and can go up to $10,000. Over 200 recipients received combined scholarships of $2 million last year and the success of the program pushed it to double in size to $4 million in scholarships this year.

As the state’s population ages, the need for nurses increases, yet Illinois is facing a growing nursing shortage and deficit of nearly 15,000 registered nurses by 2025.

The $4 million nursing scholarship program is accepting applications from March 1, 2023 – April 30, 2023. It’s managed through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and can be found here: https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/nursing-education-scholarship-program.html#HowToApply

If you already have a nursing degree or are looking to pursue a new opportunity in nursing, visit https://www.rochellehospital.com/careers/.