Reeves Foundation 2-for-1 Challenge to raise $1M for nursing scholarships at Centenary University
Challenge from New Jersey nonprofit will establish The Reeves Scholarship Program, creating scholarships for RNs to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Centenary University.
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) — Centenary University Monday announced the Reeves Foundation 2-for-1 Challenge, which has a goal to raise $1 million for nursing scholarships at the University.
The challenge requires Centenary to raise $667,000, with the Reeves Foundation pledging to award a grant of $333,000 once the University achieves its portion of the challenge.
Successful completion of the challenge will establish the Reeves Scholarship Program to provide financial assistance to registered nurses to further their education and earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing from Centenary University.
The scholarships will be available to qualified registered nurses working at Overlook Medical Center. The hospital is a member of Atlantic Health System, which collaborated with Centenary on establishing the RN to BSN program.
Through the Reeves Scholarship Program, nurses will receive up to $3,000 toward tuition for Centenary’s RN to BSN degree, which is designed to be completed in five semesters. Centenary’s RN to BSN program is structured so nurses can complete the majority of the Capstone Practicum experience at their place of employment. The first Reeves Scholarships are projected to be awarded for the fall 2024 semester.
“This significant challenge from The Reeves Foundation provides vital financial support for working RNs to advance their skills and career,” said Director of the University’s RN to BSN Program Rebecca A. Seaman, Ed.D., RN. “The Reeves Scholarship Program will reduce financial barriers to education, improve patient outcomes, and support the health and wellness of the local community. The knowledge and skills gained in an RN to BSN program allow for the provision of more comprehensive, effective, and efficient care.”
The Reeves Foundation 2-for-1 Challenge supports Centenary Now: The Campaign for College & Opportunity for Everyone. Announced last fall, the capital campaign seeks to raise $8 million for scholarships, innovative academics, and support programs to give every student the opportunity to attend college.
In addition to the Reeves Foundation, an anonymous donor to Centenary Now has contributed $100,000 to fund scholarships for first generation college students enrolled at Centenary.
“This challenge underscores that The Reeves Foundation has faith in Centenary University and our mission to create accessible pathways to higher education for traditional students and working adults,” said Jordan Glatt, vice president for advancement. “Now, we are inviting other donors to step up to support Centenary Now and help us to meet the challenge issued by The Reeves Foundation.”
Previous contributions to Centenary Now have established the University’s Working Degree Program, which offers discounted tuition for employed adults to earn a Working B.A. in Psychology, Working B.S. in Nursing, Working B.S. in Accounting, Working B.S. in Business Administration with concentrations in accounting, data analytics, management, marketing, social media marketing, and sustainable practices, and a Working Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. In addition, next month the University will dedicate the new Centenary University Institute for Entrepreneurship funded through Centenary Now.
“Since I announced Centenary Now at my inauguration last fall, the response from donors has been tremendous,” said Centenary University President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D. “In just a few short months, Centenary has made significant progress. This is a results-oriented capital campaign that is strategically designed to make an immediate impact on Centenary University and our students.”