Grand Valley State University Receives $2.2 Million Federal Grant to Support Underrepresented Nurses in Pursuing Higher Education

Strategic Insights -

Grand Valley State University's Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON) has received a significant federal grant to partner with two healthcare organizations, Spectrum Health and McLaren Health Care, to support working nurses from underrepresented backgrounds who wish to obtain bachelor's or advanced nursing degrees. The four-year project, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, aims to provide access to degree programs and wraparound support services to ensure academic and professional success. The partnership will focus on recruiting nurses to enroll in RN-BSN, master's of nursing, or doctor of nursing practice programs, with a total of 60 students set to earn degrees throughout the program.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $2.2 million federal grant will support a four-year project that partners KCON with Spectrum Health and McLaren Health Care to support underrepresented nurses in pursuing higher education.
  • The partnership aims to provide access to degree programs and wraparound support services to ensure academic and professional success.
  • A total of 60 students will earn degrees throughout the four-year program, with the majority (38) in the RN-BSN program.
  • The program will focus on recruiting nurses from underrepresented backgrounds to enroll in RN-BSN, master's of nursing, or doctor of nursing practice programs.
  • The grant will support the hiring of a part-time student services advisor and a project manager to oversee the program.
  • The RN-BSN program is a post-licensure program offered online, which will not take away seats or resources from traditional or accelerated second-degree KCON students.
  • The program is supported by the HRSA of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with a total award of $2,219,681.
  • The grant includes 100% funding from the HRSA, with no financial support from non-governmental sources.

Statistics:

  • Total grant award: $2,219,681
  • Total number of students set to earn degrees throughout the four-year program: 60
  • Majority of students (38) enrolled in the RN-BSN program
  • Total number of healthcare organizations partnering with KCON: 2 (Spectrum Health and McLaren Health Care)
  • Number of counties reached by the partnering healthcare organizations: 14 (lower peninsula)
  • Percentage of grant financing contributed by non-governmental sources: 0%

Sources:

  • "Grand Valley State University Issues News Release: Grant Award from the Health Resources and Services Administration." Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), July 8.
  • Grant Award details, as provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).