$125K Awarded to Tackle Rural Nursing Shortage

The William Randolph Hearst Foundations has awarded $125,000 to UH Mānoa Nursing to fund scholarships for 15 community college students from rural areas of Hawai‘i pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

Dean Mary G. Boland of UH Mānoa Nursing said, “The Hearst Foundation BS Nursing Scholarship Program gives nurses in rural areas of Hawai‘i the funds they need to pursue education beyond the community college level. Having BS prepared nurses throughout our rural communities is essential in ensuring our residents have access to quality healthcare.”

Hearst Scholarship recipient Ryan Gingrich, who lives on Maui. Courtesy photo.

Paul “Dino” Dinovitz, Hearst Foundations executive director added, “Grants toward efforts like the UH Mānoa Nursing Program are an example of our commitment to help leading academic centers respond to the country’s evolving healthcare needs. The Foundations are pleased to provide continued financial support for nursing students.”

Nursing education programs at Maui College, Kaua‘i Community College and UH Mānoa worked together to increase access to baccalaureate nursing education in Hawai‘i by transforming the educational environment.

Together, faculties developed one curriculum, academic standards, student learning outcomes, and nursing courses culminating into the UH Hawai‘i Statewide Nursing Consortium.

HSNC offers a BS degree in nursing with innovative, integrated learning opportunities for nursing students throughout the state, regardless of their island of residence.

During the first three years, the curriculum is identical at the community colleges and UH Mānoa, with seamless transition for students into the fourth (final) year offered through UH Mānoa on O‘ahu or via distance for Maui and Kaua‘i students.

From 2013 to 2016, 81 students from Maui College and Kaua‘i Community College earned their BS degree from UH Mānoa via the HSNC path.

Due to the generosity of the Hearst Scholarship, 24 students received financial support.

UH Mānoa Nursing matched $50,000 to further support student success. This new funding will provide 15 additional scholarships for community college students.