The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing has received a two-year, $665,266 grant to develop diversity through mentorship programs for high school students interested in pursuing careers in nursing. The “Nebraska Generation Link to Learn” grant is funded by the U.S. Health Resource Services Administration.
The grant will fund ongoing mentorship, scholarship and clinical immersion activities to promote the opportunity for participants to consider careers in nursing at the college’s five divisions in Scottsbluff, Norfolk, Lincoln, Kearney and Omaha. It will connect high school students to nursing students and registered nurses with ongoing mentoring, shadowing and other activities throughout the school year.
One such activity, a summer camp, will promote the inclusion of the family in career decision making and mentoring by involving an adult family member or friend in the camp.
In addition, the grant funds the development of center for excellence sites on each campus which are designed to assist nursing students with the development of clinical skills and critical thinking skills necessary for a successful career in nursing.
The program is free for students meeting eligibility criteria as educationally disadvantaged. This includes students from rural areas, minority students, first generation college students, and those financially disadvantaged.
The UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk has held camps for the past three years and the West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff is holding its first camp July 22-23. Additional site specific programs will be announced.
Liane Connelly, Ph.D., assistant dean of the UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk is project director and co-principal investigator of the grant. Jana Pressler, Ph.D. assistant dean of UNMC College of Nursing Lincoln Division, also is a co-principal investigator.
“We are excited to bring this program to Nebraska residents who are interested in nursing as a career but may face challenges in the actual pursuit of the degree,” Dr. Connelly said. “Having the opportunity to create highly supportive activities and structures for students helps them to successfully consider a career in nursing.”
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