October 1, 2012

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded the College of Nursing and Health Professions two federal grants for scholarships that will help disadvantaged students in the Physican Assistant and Couple and Family Therapy programs. The College’s detailed student recruitment and retention plan made us a competitive candidate for the grants and demonstrated to HRSA that the College has measures in place that increase the likelihood that students who receive scholarships will complete their program and pass certification or licensing exams.

The grants were submitted by Stephen Gambescia, PhD, the academic Department Chairs, and Operations Directors Deb Karlan and Lora Furman. HRSA determines which students receive these awards based upon an eligibility formula related to student FAFSA forms. Gambescia, the Principal Investigator on the grants, will the coordinate student eligibility determination process with the Office of Financial Aid. Selected students will receive a minimum of $15,000 per year. Students do not apply for the grants but are awarded given the strict terms of the HRSA grant. Students will be contacted by Gambescia to learn about the conditions of the grants.

The scholarships are in place to increase diversity in the health professions workforce by allowing disadvantaged students who may also be part of underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds to earn nursing or health professions degrees.