Graham Hospital School of Nursing

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Private Sources of Financial Aid

This is divided into three sections.

Section 1.     Scholarships that require an application.

Section 2.     Scholarships that are awarded by the Faculty Organization of the school, Administration of Graham Hospital, Family Members, or Organizations.

Section 3.     Graham Hospital Foundation Scholarships.

Listed below are a number of private groups and trusts which provide private scholarships. You may be able to investigate possible sources of aid in your home community not included in this listing. You need to take the initiative to obtain additional information regarding these resources. We implement federal and state guidelines to ensure students are not over-awarded.

Section I—Scholarships that require an application

ALTRUISTIC CLUB NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

In order to be eligible for the Altruistic Nursing Scholarship, you are required to be a Graham Nursing student enrolled in the respective nursing program.  The scholarship will be awarded to a candidate from a diploma program who has successfully completed two semesters of nursing courses and is a resident of Fulton County.   This $2000 scholarship ($1000 fall semester, $1000 spring semester) will be sent to the Graham School of Nursing to be applied to the recipient’s tuition, books, supplies, etc.)

ALTRUSA SCHOLARSHIP

The Altrusa Club of Canton awards a scholarship to a resident of Fulton County on a one-year basis. The scholarship will cover tuition, fees or books. Payments will be sent directly to the school. Recipient will be selected on the basis of: scholarship, desire to continue education, general character, good citizenship, and financial need

CANTON FEDERATED BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION

The Canton Business and Professional Women’s Organization awards a scholarship to a resident of Fulton County on a one-year basis. The scholarship helps cover tuition, fees, or books. Payments will be sent directly to the school. Recipients will be selected on the basis of scholarship, desire to continue education, general character, good citizenship, and need.

CANTON ROTARY CLUB

In order to promote the School of Nursing and provide financial assistance, the Canton Rotary Club awards scholarships annually to nursing students who are residents of Fulton County and who graduated from Canton High School. Scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need and leadership ability.

CANTON WOMAN’S CLUB

The Canton Woman’s Club awards a scholarship to a Fulton County resident enrolled at Graham Hospital School of Nursing who will be entering his/her Junior or Senior year. The scholarship will be applied to help cover tuition, fees, or books. The check will be sent directly to the school.

FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIP

A $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to one freshman student based on academic achievement (GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale) and community service. This scholarship is divided into 2 semesters ($500 each semester). Recipient is required to be in attendance for semester awarded and in good academic standing.

GRAHAM HOSPITAL HEALTHCARE CAREER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Graham Hospital recognizes the importance of maintaining an adequate and well-trained workforce. As part of its strategic initiatives, Graham Hospital has developed a program to encourage the education of qualified individuals either contemplating or already engaged in healthcare seeking further professional development. Graham Hospital will enter into an employment agreement with qualified individuals wishing to participate in the program. For more information contact the Human Resources office at Graham Hospital or visit the website at www.grahamhospital.org  .

ILLINOIS CRYPTIC MASONS NURSES FOUNDATION

The Nurses Foundation scholarship is for those full-time who are pursuing a career in the field of nursing with plans to complete a program leading to becoming a Registered Nurse or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing in the state of Illinois. The applicant for the Nurses Foundation Scholarship must be a resident of the state of Illinois. The applicant for the Nurses Foundation Scholarship must have and maintain a “B” or a 3.00 grade point average.

JEAN M. BROWN NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

Jean M. Brown, during her career, worked as an Industrial Nurse for Caterpillar. Ms. Brown so enjoyed her career in nursing that she wanted to provide an avenue for others to pursue the same vocation. Upon her death, Ms. Brown left a generous gift to the Community Foundation of Central Illinois to establish nursing scholarships. The Community Foundation of Central Illinois service area is a 50-mile radius of Peoria, Illinois – Applications received from outside the service area are not eligible for review. Website: http://www.communityfoundationci.org/central-illinois-foundation-scholarship-opportunities#brownscholarship

MCDONOUGH DISTRICT HOSPITAL AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP

McDonough District Hospital provides loans to individuals who are interested in working at their hospital after becoming an RN. Factors considered by the screening committee are: scholarship ability, character, financial need, personal interview, and the likelihood that the applicant will desire employment at McDonough District Hospital. Questions should be addressed to: Health Careers Chairperson, McDonough District Hospital, 525 E. Grant, Macomb, IL 61455.

MCFARLAND CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The McFarland Charitable Foundation provides work-service registered nursing scholarships to qualified students who will contractually obligate themselves to return to Havana, Illinois to work for a number of years after graduation. Graduates must work in the Havana community two years for each year of funding. Applicants must have a guarantee of employment from a nursing employer in the area as a prerequisite for scholarship consideration. Written contracts are executed with those candidates who are accepted.

The contracts require the co-signatures of two financially responsible adults. Any breach of contract results in immediate repayment in full with interest from dates of disbursement plus payment of replacement costs. The addition of accrued interest and the replacement costs may well double the monetary obligation. Co-signers are responsible for this financial repayment.

THE E.A. MELLINGER EDUCATION FOUNDATION

All grants awarded by the Mellinger Foundation are made in memory of Edward Arthur Mellinger, Inez Mellinger Hensleigh, and Oliver M. Hensleigh, through whose generosity the Foundation was established.

At present, the Foundation considers only applicants who reside in six western Illinois counties, although they may attend any accredited institution within the United States. Counties: Fulton, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, and Warren.

Scholarship grants are renewable annually for the balance of the additional years of a four-year college educational program, so long as the recipient is maintaining satisfactory process toward obtaining his or her degree or diploma.

Scholarships may be awarded to students in either junior or senior colleges, or to students with no degree who attend diploma schools of nursing. Consideration may also be given to students who attend accredited vocational schools.
Website:  http://www.mellinger.org/appinfo.htm

P.E.O. SISTERHOOD

The Canton, Illinois, JQ and LY Chapter of the P.E.O., through the educational project for continuing education, provides grants to women who have discontinued their education and find it necessary to resume studies due to changing demands in their lives. The local chapter provides direct assistance and support by providing a financial grant.

PEKIN HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

The Pekin Hospital Auxiliary each year gives financial assistance to students enrolled in hospital related programs. Students living in the Pekin area are eligible to apply. Priority is extended to those who intend to return to Pekin to practice their professional skills. Application must be made each year. Criteria for selection is based upon: course of study, scholarship achievements, course requirements interest, recommendations, general qualifications, and financial need.

ROBIN GRISH HABERKOST SCHOLARSHIP

After Robin graduated in 2006, she established a scholarship to be given each year at graduation. Criteria:

A student that is active in school activities

Submission of an essay of a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 500 words. Essay should include topics such as: Why student wants to be a nurse, What they believe is the reality of nursing, Personal triumphs in their nursing school career, and Activities in which the student is involved.

In current good academic standing

SCOTTISH RITE

The Peoria Valley Scottish Rite through the Illinois Scottish Rite Nursing Scholarship Fund provides grants to students based upon academic achievement and financial need. Visit their website at www.valleyofpeoria.org  for more information and applications.

Section 2—Scholarships that are awarded by the Faculty Organization, Hospital Administration, Family Members, or Organizations

ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP

The Alumni Association of Graham Hospital School of Nursing awards a $500 scholarship annually to a candidate who meets the following criteria:

  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
  • Not need based.

Awarded at graduation ceremony.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS SCHOLARSHIP

The Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship was established in memory of Jim Gummerson who attended Graham Hospital School of Nursing. Criteria for selection:

  • School will pick recipient
  • Need-based
  • Fulton County Resident
  • No minimum GPA

DIRECTOR’S ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP

This award is given to the graduating senior with the highest cumulative GPA. Awarded at graduation ceremony.

EDNA S. GEIGER AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP

This award was established in 1982 in memory of Mrs. Geiger who was in the first graduating class of the Graham Hospital School of Nursing in 1913. The award goes to a senior student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities and nursing skills. This scholarship is awarded at our graduation ceremony.

ELIZABETH TALLEY JOHNSON SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established by the family of Elizabeth Talley Johnson in 2016.  Elizabeth was a 1962 graduate of Graham Hospital School of Nursing.  Criteria for selection:

GPA minimum of 2.50

Freshman and Junior level student

Scholarship is applied to the student’s account for the next academic year.  Awarded at graduation ceremony.

GENEVRA BRAMBLE – SARA CARSON SCHOLARSHIP

The Genevra Bramble – Sara Carson Scholarship was established in 2003 by the children and husband of Sara Carson. The scholarship is awarded to a senior, nontraditional student. It is not need-based and no GPA criteria. Awarded at graduation ceremony.

KATHERINE B JAEGER MEMORIAL TRUST

The Katherine B. Jaeger Memorial Trust was established to be used as a scholarship fund for a nursing student at Graham Hospital. The Trust was set up for a deserving student who would ordinarily not be financially able to attend nursing school. The student must carry a “B” average and be involved in community and school activities. Awarded at Senior Recognition Banquet.

LOIS WATTS –BEULAH HENDERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established by the family of Lois Watts and Beulah Henderson in 2009. Lois Watts was a 1933 graduate of Graham Hospital School of Nursing. Beulah Henderson was a patient on Graham Extended Care for a number of years. The family selects the recipient. Criteria: Fulton County resident, strong clinical skills. Awarded at graduation ceremony.

OTTO AND EVELETA MEIER SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship was established in 1985 by Mrs. Meier in honor of her husband, Otto. The criteria for selection include leadership, character, motivation, attitude, image, attendance, and a GPA of 3.00 or above. The Faculty Organization nominates 3 (if eligible), students who meet the criteria to the Hospital Administration for their selection. The Hospital Administration selects a nominee(s). Awarded at graduation ceremony.

STEPHEN W. WAGNER, SR. MEMORIAL NURSES SCHOLARSHIP

Two scholarships in the amount of $150 each will be awarded to a Junior and Senior student. The Voiture 812 Nursing Scholarship Chairman will choose the eligible students.

VOITURE 812 40/8 CHAPTER

The Forty & Eight was founded in 1920 by American Veterans returning from France. Originally an arm of the American Legion, the Forty & Eight became an independent and separately incorporated veteran’s organization in 1960. The Voiture 812 40/8 Chapter offers a scholarship to the Graham Hospital School of Nursing. The criteria for the scholarship is that you be a resident of Fulton County.

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Other national scholarship opportunities may be found through the FastWeb service.

Section 3—Graham Hospital Foundation Scholarships

Most Foundation Scholarships require a 2-3 page essay.  The recipient is selected by the family after submitted essays are read.

LINDA MYERS BROWN – “LOVE OF NURSING” SCHOLARSHIP

The family started this scholarship as recognition for Linda’s “Love of Nursing” profession, her love of Graham Hospital, and her love of the Graham School of Nursing. For 37 years at Graham, Linda interacted with hundreds of fellow Graham employees, held the hands of thousands of moms, comforted thousands of dads, and held the precious gift of a newborn baby in her hands as they struggled to enter into this world. This annual scholarship, which is a gift of $1000, is awarded to a 2nd or 3rd year nursing student. The family selects the recipient, and the scholarship is awarded at Graham’s graduation.

PHILDA MCCOMBS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Philda McCombs, with her kind-hearted, dedicated and thoughtful ways, cherished the opportunity she was given to care for so many as a nurse at Graham Hospital. In her loving memory and to honor her wishes, Philda’s family established the Philda McCombs Memorial Scholarship.

This annual scholarship, which is a gift of $500, affords the family the opportunity to keep Philda’s memory alive, as well as helping to financially support nursing students so that they might have the same opportunity as Philda was given. The family selects the recipient, and the scholarship is awarded at Graham’s graduation. The applicant must be a 2nd or 3rd year nursing student.

HELEN (TARTER) SAUNDERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Helen(Tarter) Saunders was a 1943 graduate from the Graham Hospital School of Nursing. She was a very dedicated, hard-working, and loving woman. Helen had very strong faith and loved to share her faith with everyone. She was happily married for nearly 65 years to Howard Saunders.

This annual scholarship, which is a gift of $2,000, was established in her loving memory and is awarded to a 2nd or 3rd year nursing student with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The family selects the recipient, and the scholarship is awarded at Graham’s graduation.

OLIVE RAINEY CARPER SCHOLARSHIP

To honor the life of Olive Rainey Carper, the Carper family wished to endow a scholarship at the Graham Hospital School of Nursing to provide assistance to nursing students in the final year of attendance.
Recipient guidelines are:

  • Graham Hospital School of Nursing student entering the 3rd year of study
  • Grade point average must be in the top half of the class under consideration
  • There are no geographic restrictions
  • The scholarship will be awarded annually at graduation
  • The Graham Hospital School of Nursing Faculty will make the determination of the recipient

JEANETTE J. MURPHY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

To honor the life of Jeanette J. Murphy, NP, the Murphy family and Jeanette J. Murphy Estate wished to endow a scholarship to provide assistance to nursing students with a proven heart and passion for providing excellence in nursing and caring for others.

Recipient guidelines include:

  • Graham Hospital School of Nursing student with a proven heart for nursing and caring for others.
  • Preferably a single mother; or, single parent, though not mandated
  • Grade point average must be passing overall average.
  • Preferably a resident of Fulton County, though not mandated.

The family selects the recipient and the scholarship is awarded at Graham’s graduation.

TAMMY SPENCER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Tammy Spencer Memorial Scholarship was established in 2016 by the family of Tammy Spencer.   Tammy was a 2012 graduate.