As the Community Foundation continues to find new ways to support area college students, a new program, called the Completion, Testing, and Certification Mini Grant, has been established to help students complete their post-graduation certifications. Funded by the Dr. Larry Zimmer Scholarship Fund, this program aims to remove financial barriers and support all life needs during students’ post-secondary education.
Foundation Vice President Jackie Hanton explained, “This fund is truly to help fill gaps and help students to be successful. It can be used for trades, college, or a professional certification.”
One significant group facing such barriers includes nursing graduates. After finishing their demanding programs, they must apply for state licensing, complete mandatory fingerprinting, and register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), all costing around $500. Program Officer Jessica Flann highlights, “Students rely on federal, state, and local aid to help them through the program to graduation. But once they graduate, that funding ends. They still have their certification costs to cover. These students make it through a seriously tough program, knowing that better days are ahead, but then face the barrier of needing to pay hundreds of dollars to get to the finish line.”
Alicia Rinehart, who recently graduated from the LPN to RN Associate Degree Nursing Transition Program at St. Clair County Community College is one beneficiary of the grant. As a wife and mother, she had to cut her work hours to complete her nursing program. With the help of the Completion Mini Grant, Alicia recently passed her NCLEX exam. “I’m a first-generation college graduate and I am now a Registered Nurse!” she proudly shared, crediting the Completion Mini Grant for helping her reach her goal.
Deidre Knowles, a mom and former nurse’s aide, faced similar challenges. Although she utilized federal and state aid programs to graduate from SC4 in May, she struggled to cover the costs of licensing and testing required to work as an RN. “I passed my NCLEX on my first try and am currently completing orientation for my new role as an RN and am really loving it,” she said. Deidre plans to return to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
While the Completion Mini Grant has already helped five nursing school graduates with their state licensing and certification, its broader goal is to alleviate the financial burden associated with obtaining advanced professional credentials across various fields. “Whether it’s nursing, other healthcare-related fields, or skilled trades, the goal is to ensure that students have the resources necessary to complete the required state certifications needed for their career,” said Flann.
The Community Foundation of St. Clair County manages numerous scholarships, life needs, and gap or emergency funds to support young adults pursuing a college education. To learn more about how you, your company, or your family can set up an endowed fund, contact Jackie Hanton at [email protected].