Grant expands opportunities for future nurses, strengthens rural workforce

A new federal grant will help Geisinger School of Nursing remove barriers to success for aspiring nurses while strengthening the healthcare workforce across rural and medically underserved communities in Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration awarded Geisinger School of Nursing a significant Nursing Workforce Development grant. The project, which runs from Sept. 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2030, will provide scholarships, emergency financial assistance, academic support, wellness programming and other wraparound services designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds complete their nursing education and enter the workforce.

The grant reflects a growing national need for nurses and addresses workforce shortages that are particularly acute in rural communities.

“We’re very honored to receive this grant after a collective team effort,” said Rebecca Stoudt, DNP, PhD, MSN, CRNA, associate dean of nursing and health professions education. “The funding will particularly aid nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds who will ultimately enter the workforce in rural and underserved communities.”

Under the grant, the School of Nursing plans to offer up to 10 scholarships annually worth approximately $33,000 each, covering nearly the full cost of attendance for some students. “These scholarships will help students afford nursing school while decreasing their out-of-pocket costs and student loan debt,” said Michelle Schmude, EdD, MBA, vice provost of enrollment management and professor of medical education.

Because many juggle employment, caregiving responsibilities and family obligations— or have challenges with housing, food security, transportation, childcare and healthcare access — the grant includes an emergency assistance fund to help students facing unexpected financial crises.

“Whether a student’s car breaks down and they can’t get to clinicals, or there’s an illness in the family that creates an unexpected financial burden, we want to help provide stability so they can stay focused on their education,” said Tanja Adonizio, MD, MHPE, vice provost of student affairs and an associate professor of medical education.

At a higher level, the project builds on Geisinger’s longstanding commitment to developing healthcare professionals prepared to serve the communities that need them most.

“There’s been a persistent nursing workforce shortage nationwide, especially acute in Pennsylvania and rural communities,” said Crystal Quintin, associate vice president for competitive grants with the Geisinger Health Foundation. “This grant aligns perfectly with our workforce priorities. We’re creating opportunities for people who might not otherwise see a healthcare career as accessible.”

Recruitment outreach efforts associated with the grant will include community events, high school engagement programs, workforce partnerships, admissions advising, financial aid counseling and scholarship information sessions. The School of Nursing works with school districts, community organizations and workforce development partners throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania to expand access to nursing education.

“This is about creating opportunity. It’s about helping people go to college, enter a meaningful profession and build a career they might not otherwise have been able to pursue,” Dr. Stoudt said.

To learn more about the scholarship program for nursing students, call 570-504-9068.