Lee University has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Gertrude E. Skelly Charitable Foundation to establish an emergency fund for students in the School of Nursing.
The fund will assist nursing students who encounter unforeseen financial challenges that affect their ability to continue pursuing their bachelor of science in nursing degree at Lee.
“This emergency fund for students will be a blessing for any student experiencing a sudden, unexpected crisis in life that could derail progression to graduation and calling as a registered nurse,” said Dr. Sara Campbell, dean of the School of Nursing.
Emergency needs such as medical, dental, auto, and childcare expenses are examples of short-term financial challenges that are eligible for assistance from the Skelly Emergency Fund. A variety of other expenses may be eligible and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The fund is not intended to provide assistance with tuition or unnecessary monthly bills.
Applications for assistance from the emergency fund are available online or in the School of Nursing, Financial Aid Office, or the Hub, Lee's Center for Student Success. Students may apply for up to $1,000 per academic year.
The Skelly Foundation provides "educational opportunities, mainly at colleges and universities, and needed medical care for those who are unable to afford them," according to the mission statement of the Florida-based organization.
The charitable foundation was established by the estate of Gertrude E. Skelly, whose desire to enable individuals to better themselves drives the foundation's grant making. The goal of this and similar grants is to create a ripple effect, so that by helping a nursing student, he or she can impact others in the future.
“We are grateful to the Skelly Foundation for this generous grant and investment in our students,” said Vanessa Hammond, director of grants and foundation relations at Lee. “The foundation has become a valuable new partner in Lee's effort to provide all students with the support they need to succeed.”
For more information about the emergency fund, visit the School of Nursing scholarship page http://www.leeuniversity.edu/academics/nursing/scholarships.aspx.