Raritan Valley Community College nursing program receives transformational gift from Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation
BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, NJ (Somerset County) – The Nursing program at Raritan Valley Community College has received a second historic gift from the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation (SHCHF) in support of the College’s Nursing students.
The $90,000 donation to the RVCC Foundation has just been announced by the Community Foundation of New Jersey.
As with last year’s $100,000 gift, the new commitment will fund 10 full scholarships, at $7,500 each, with an additional $15,000 to be used to help offset textbook and Nursing program expenses for dozens of other Nursing students.
“The continued support of the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation will have a transformational impact on our Nursing students,” said Dr. Michael McDonough, President, Raritan Valley Community College. “We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation.”
“The Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation is supportive of continued funding for scholarships at RVCC for RN students. Board members are committed to furthering education for the purpose of increasing the number of RNs available to provide care to individuals in Morris and Somerset counties,” said Kathy Cummins, SHCHF Board Chairperson.
“I wouldn’t be here without this incredible support. It has truly been life changing for me,” said Elicia Levandoski, a Class of ’23 grad of the RVCC Nursing program and one of 10 inaugural recipients of last year’s historic gift from the SHCHF.
Added Janet Nyambura, also a Class of ’23 RVCC Nursing grad and one of last year’s 10 recipients, “The impact this gift had on me personally cannot be overstated. But it was also transformative to my family. I will always be grateful to have benefitted from such generosity.”
To be eligible for the scholarships, students must be enrolled in the College’s Nursing program and participating in their second year of clinicals during the 2023-2024 academic year. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 8 credit hours and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students also must demonstrate some financial need, which will be determined by completing a FAFSA application.
The Raritan Valley Community College Nursing program offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing, which prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who wish to advance in their careers by becoming a Registered Nurse may enter the LPN-RN (PNAD) Degree option. The program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The courses of study for both options are designed as career programs, although graduates may wish to continue studies for a baccalaureate degree in Nursing at a four-year institution. Articulation agreements which enhance the transfer process are in effect with numerous colleges and universities.
RVCC Nursing graduates are employed at major healthcare facilities throughout the tri-state area.
For those seeking additional information about ways to support the College and the work of the RVCC Foundation, or for additional information about the scholarships, contact Mike Marion, Executive Director, at 908-648-8567 or michael.marion@raritanval.edu, or visit rvccfoundation.org.
