LINCOLN- Nebraska's legislature repurposed $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds towards scholarships for students on short-term or accelerated nursing tracks in 2022 to populate a workforce need in public health. As of now, only $3 million has been awarded to nearly 800 students. A deadline approaches for the funds to be utilized before the rest is returned to the federal government. Unfortunately, the funds have not caused a change in the state's nursing shortage.

Recently, the Department of Health and Human Services changed the parameters of the scholarship program. The maximum amount an applicant can receive was raised and eligibility was expanded to include traditional students seeking bachelor's degrees. The cap on these scholarships was raised from $2,500 to $5,000. Requirements for a scholarship include some prerequisites and enrollment in a Nebraska nursing program.

Those impacted by the change have expressed satisfaction and gratitude. "These scholarships will help reduce barriers to entry in the nursing field and grow Nebraska’s public health workforce," said Charity Menefee, DHHS director of public health. There is a wide belief among administration affected by the adjustment that it will further assist Nebraska in addressing its nursing shortage.

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