UNC Charlotte lands $2.3 million HRSA grant for nursing scholarships

Thursday, October 18, 2012

UNC Charlotte’s School of Nursing in the College of Health and Human Services is the recipient of a $2.3 million grant from the federal Health Resource Services Administration to provide scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program promotes diversity among health profession students and practitioners by providing scholarships to full-time students with financial need from disadvantaged backgrounds, enrolled in health professions and nursing programs.

Lienne Edwards, associate director of the School of Nursing’s undergraduate division and principle investigator/project director of the grant, noted the award addresses a widespread need among nursing students from racial and ethnic minorities for financial assistance. The removal of financial barriers will allow these students to work less hours outside of class and enable them to spend more time on their academic pursuits.

“The proposal also addresses the need to provide mentoring support for nursing students in our undergraduate program, as well as for pre-professional students who participate in one of the University’s academic support programs, such as UTOP, SAFE and BEST,” Edwards said. Mentorship provided by peers and faculty has been proven to enhance student achievement and academic success.

“The recruitment and retention activities outlined in the grant proposal focus on enhancing diversity within our programs and are consistent with efforts already in place within School of Nursing, the College of Health and Human Services, and the University,” said Dee Baldwin, associate dean and director of the School of Nursing.

“This project will be of great value to the School of Nursing and its efforts to further increase the diversity of its student body, as well as the nursing workforce in our region and our state,” Baldwin said.

The total grant monies will be distributed within a four-year period to 55 students per year from disadvantaged backgrounds, to include upper-division, pre-licensure, BSN degree seeking students, and students who are registered nurses in the RN-to-BSN curriculum. For information about the scholarships, contact the School of Nursing.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable.