Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing

The Foundation's New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program was designed to address the nursing shortage by funding scholarships in accelerated bachelor's degree programs at nursing schools, with preference given to schools that increase the number of students in these programs or increase enrollment and retention of disadvantaged or minority students.Through grants to schools of nursing, the program will provide scholarships to non-nursing college graduates enrolled in accelerated baccalaureate and master's nursing programs. These fast-track programs allow talented individuals from other disciplines to enter the nursing profession by earning a nursing degree in 12 to 18 months.This grant supports one of 52 nursing schools selected for funding through a competitive application process. The nursing school will use all grant funds for between 5 and 30 scholarships for students deemed eligible for this program. It is expected that applicant institutions will allocate RWJF scholarship funds to enrolled students accepted into accelerated baccalaureate or master's degree nursing programs who will receive the New Careers in Nursing scholarships. These funds are not to be used to supplant other financial resources such as loan funds that the student is eligible to receive due to need. Students may use their scholarship funds to pay tuition, academic fees or as a subsidy to living expenses to reduce their financial burden while in school. The school will report on the progress of scholarship recipients during the academic year. As a result of this program, the nursing school is expected to increase: (1) student enrollment capacity in its accelerated program(s); and (2) the number of students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds that enroll and graduate from the program.