RVCC gets $100K to fund 10 full nursing scholarships

The Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation gifted $100,000 to support the nursing program at Raritan Valley Community College, the organization announced June 2.

The gift will fund 10 full scholarships—the first full scholarships in the nursing program’s history.

The awards are $7,500 each, with an additional $25,000 donated to be used to help offset textbook and nursing program expenses for dozens of other nursing students.

This is the largest gift in the nursing program’s history.

“The importance of this gift to our nursing program cannot be overstated; it is unprecedented in its size and its impact on our nursing students,” said RVCC President Michael McDonough. “We are grateful for the leadership and generosity of the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation.”

“Through the Visiting Nurse Association, we know firsthand that nurses not only help people get well, but also fundamentally change lives. Now as a foundation committed to healthcare worker availability and employment, and ultimately stronger, healthier communities in Somerset and Morris counties, it is our privilege to support future Raritan Valley Nursing students. The future of nursing starts now,” added SHCHF Board Chairperson Kathy Cummins.

Eligible students must be enrolled in the RVCC’s nursing program in a minimum of nine credit hours and participating in their second year of clinicals during the 2022-2023 academic year. They must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must demonstrate some financial need on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid.