A collaboration between higher education institutions and healthcare provider partners, CT Health Horizons is determined to diversify and strengthen the next generation of nurses, ultimately impacting Connecticut’s critical statewide workforce shortage.
To this end, in March 2023, CT Health Horizons awarded $35 million to be shared between the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU), the state’s Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), the University of Connecticut (UConn), the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges (CCIC), multiple state agencies, and Connecticut Hospital Association.
As a recipient of this initiative, Goodwin University received $1,908,750, expressly earmarked for BSN nursing scholarships and recruitment for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
Let’s discuss how students can research and apply for BSN nursing scholarships in Connecticut and receive grant money toward their nursing education at Goodwin University.
What are Scholarships?
Scholarships are merit-based financial aid awarded to students who meet (or exceed) specific standards, such as academic or athletic achievements, set by the scholarship provider or program. Scholarships are also given to individuals with certain traits, backgrounds, or interests, like those from a military family.
Scholarship money must help pay for students’ tuition, room and board, books, and other school-related expenses. The amount of money awarded can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and some scholarships cover all of one’s college expenses with a full-ride scholarship.
Unlike student loans, scholarships are gifts that need not be repaid. Thousands of scholarships are available and offered by employers, companies, nonprofits, private and public organizations, colleges, and collegiate programs, like nursing school programs.
How to Research and Apply for Nursing School Scholarships
With all scholarships, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) scholarships, students should research to find and apply for as many opportunities as possible.
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the organization, intuition, or program offering the scholarship, so it’s essential to understand what each scholarship requires. That said, aspiring nursing students will benefit significantly from following these general guidelines for success:
- Research BSN nursing scholarships early. Students should be prepared to spend time on their scholarship hunt. Starting research early will ensure they know and can meet deadlines and requirements.
- Double-check and proofread. Double-check that you have all the required materials before submitting a scholarship application. Additionally, always have someone else proofread and check your work before submitting it.
- Stay organized. Students should keep a checklist for each scholarship they apply to and copies of all the scholarship applications and materials, all organized in a notebook or folder.
Additionally, when applying for BSN scholarships, students should have an updated resume, up to three letters of recommendation, and two general essays addressing questions and topics like “What are your future plans and goals?” and “Describe your best and worst moment.”
While nursing students find federal and state financial aid through various sources, one of the best ways to find BSN nursing scholarships is by researching the state, school, or degree program they are interested in to learn about their specific financial aid opportunities.
For example, the state of Connecticut offers two nursing financial aid initiatives to help students pay for nursing school:
- Roberta B. Willis scholarship program: This Connecticut state financial aid program offers a need-merit scholarship and a need-based grant determined by several factors, including a student’s expected family contribution (EFC) and SAT/ACT scores.
- CT Health Horizons: A state initiative that aims to address workforce shortages in the healthcare field. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students in need receive this scholarship to help them build a stable and fulfilling nursing career.
Learn more about how the CT Health Horizons Grant is helping to make Nursing careers more accessible for Goodwin University students!
Nursing Scholarship Opportunities at Goodwin University
Through the CT Health Horizons grant via the state’s Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), Goodwin University can recruit and offer students nursing scholarships for our:
- RN-to-BSN Nursing program
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program
This funding provides students with direct financial support and allows Goodwin to strengthen nursing programs through faculty expansion and equipment upgrades to nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Our nursing scholarships are designed for minority or low-income students with a home address in an Alliance School District and meet eligibility and criteria for federal Pell grants and other considerations. Nursing students can also submit hardship requests if they do not meet the standard criteria.
In addition, students can also apply for Goodwin Foundation scholarships during the following timeframes annually and on a semester-by-semester basis:
- Fall scholarships launch in July
- Spring scholarships launch in November
- Summer scholarships launch in March
Ultimately, Goodwin University is dedicated to making quality higher education accessible and affordable. It’s why our financial aid team offers applicants and current students alike expert guidance and help as they plan for their future.
Plus, with our on-campus, online, and hybrid nursing degree programs, nursing students can get through college and into a great career while managing their other personal and professional responsibilities.
Contact us today to learn more about the financial aid opportunities and nursing scholarships in Connecticut at Goodwin University. Let’s crush your career goals together!