Nursing scholarships reach $1M

The latest round of scholarship money from a fund created by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Inc. brings the total distributed to more than $1 million over four years. The money supports nursing and allied health scholarships at Florida’s 28 community colleges.

Blue Cross gave $2.5 million to the Foundation for Florida’s Community Colleges in 2004, and the state matched that figure a year later to create a $5 million endowment.

This month the foundation is distributing more than $273,000

“Today our state is reaping the rewards of a long-term strategy for sustainable support of nursing and allied health education in Florida,” said FFCC Chairman, Dr. John Belohlavek. “Thanks to the leadership and vision of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and our elected officials, we are providing scholarships to students in financial need who are enrolled in nursing and allied health programs across the state of Florida.”

The fund is part of Blue Cross’ strategic philanthropy program called Generation RN to address the state’s nursing shortage.

source: Jacksonville Business Journal