By Beacon Staff
Great River Health announced a new partnership to expand Southeastern Community College’s nursing program, funded by a grant of up to $10 million from the Great River Health Foundation.
The donation is the largest financial gift in SCC’s history.
The money will be distributed over five years to help SCC expand faculty and related student support positions, plus provide tuition assistance to students entering the nursing program.
“This gift will allow us to allocate considerable resources toward the nursing program to position us for growth that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to make,” said SCC President Michael Ash said at the signing ceremony on Wednesday, March 23. “We are grateful to the Great River Health Foundation.”
Great River Health Foundation executive director Jason Hutcheson said the partnership will allow more students to enter the nursing program. Labor market data shows there are over 300 nursing positions open annually within a 50-mile radius of Burlington, with a median salary of nearly $63,000.
Students will have access to a dedicated nursing tutor for help with coursework and a student success advocate who will help guide them through the program and keep them on the path to graduation.
“Nursing school is not easy, and not everyone is able to complete it,” said Kristi Schroeder, SCC dean of health progressions and director of nursing. “One benefit of these nursing program enhancements is that students who choose to participate will have additional resources to help them succeed.”
Financial support may also be available in the form of supplemental scholarships and grants. Students will also have preferred status when applying for positions at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospital campuses in Fort Madison and West Burlington, and Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant.