Grant to support students in accelerated BSN program

The School of Nursing will administer a $500,000 grant from the Helene Fuld Health Trust designed to support the education of students in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. The award will be matched with $200,000 from the SUNY University Center Endowment Match.

The Helene Fuld grant includes $400,000 for an endowed scholarship fund and an additional $100,000 for immediate-use scholarships. SUNY will provide the $200,000 match over three years. However, the portion of the gift allocated to the endowment will generate returns and support students for many years to come.

“We are indebted to the Helene Fuld Health Trust for their confidence in providing this grant to our accelerated students at the University at Buffalo School of Nursing, who often have limited scholarship opportunities as second-degree students,” says Annette Wysocki, dean of the nursing school.

“These students become outstanding competent practitioners and leaders in nursing and their prior degree often further magnifies their expertise. Last year these students achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensing Exam, exemplifying the high caliber of students who attend this program and become expert nurses providing high-quality care at the bedside.”

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students are students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline and have elected to pursue a second career in nursing. The program and its students are an important piece of addressing a nationwide nursing shortage that is adversely affecting the nation’s health care systems and patient outcomes.

“Acknowledging the increased complexity of and sophisticated knowledge required for health care delivery, the [Fuld] trust will give preference to programs that offer BSN degrees and higher,” according to the organization. “The trust will continue to award grants to leading nursing schools and other organizations which undertake innovative programs designed to develop and expand the professional and leadership skills of nursing students, faculty and administration.”

UB graduates approximately 120 pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing students each year, including more than 50 Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. The first distribution of Fuld funds to nursing students will provide $55,000 in scholarships for the fall semester.

The Helene Fuld Health Trust’s primary mission is to support and promote the health, welfare and education of student nurses and is one of the most renowned charitable organizations providing philanthropic support to nursing schools. Applications for grant funding are competitive and by invitation only.

“UB being selected for this grant speaks volumes that they recognize the stellar reputation of our nursing programs and their desire to invest in us and our students,” says Amanda Rebeck, the nursing school’s director of advancement.