The scholarship will be awarded to students in exchange for the promise of employment at CHI Memorial for two to four years after they complete their degree at the School of Nursing.
Lee University and CHI Memorial have formed a partnership that will provide School of Nursing students with scholarships in exchange for employment at the hospital following their School of Nursing graduation. Four students have recently been selected as the first recipients of the CHI Memorial Scholarship: Naomi Bucciarelli, Christiana Diaz Marquez, Emmie Seymour, and Phoebe Smith.
According to an article on Lee University’s website, Sherry Fusco, who serves as the chief nursing officer of CHI Memorial, was quoted as saying of the partnership, “This is a wonderful opportunity for CHI Memorial to be able to further partner with Lee University through this scholarship program. This program provides valuable benefits for students to further their education while reducing financial barriers and empowering them to focus on their education. It highlights the commitment of investing in future talent, strengthens community connections, and supports workforce development of highly skilled and dedicated professionals who will make significant differences in the healthcare field.”
CHI Memorial has committed to provide $150,000 over the next five years for the scholarship program. Every year, students will be able to receive a $15,000 scholarship for their nursing studies, with the understanding that they must commit to between two and four years of employment at CHI Memorial in exchange for the scholarship. Students will complete their clinical experiences at CHI Memorial, as well. Additionally, they will be encouraged to seek employment as a nurse technician there while in nursing school.
Dr. Amy Jo Perry, the dean of the Lee School of Nursing, said, “This partnership makes a quality, faith-based nursing education possible for students who are called to this profession. It highlights a way that healthcare organizations and higher education institutions can work together to craft innovative, mutually beneficial solutions to human resource challenges.”
According to the webpage for the scholarship, students are eligible to receive $15,000 for one to four years, with the employment requirement depending on the length of time the student receives the scholarship. Students who do not complete the employment requirement will be responsible for paying back the amount of the scholarship. Employees of CHI Memorial will form a committee that reviews applications and determines who will receive the scholarship.
For more information about Lee University, visit the school’s website.