I am truly honored to be one of the South Carolina Nurses Foundation (SCNF) scholarship recipients. I am a Geriatric and Adult Nurse Practitioner, an Instructor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), and currently pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at MUSC. Receiving this terminal degree will afford me the opportunity to continue my journey in educating the future generations of nurse practitioners. However, going back to school can be intimidating, not only because of the work, but also because of the financial strain it may cause. The SCNF scholarship award has alleviated much of this financial burden; this has been such an amazing gift for me and my family! Nursing education is my passion - this award is a great help in the pursuit of my DNP degree and my continued career teaching at MUSC! (Whitney, recipient of SCNF scholarship)

As I have reviewed SCNF scholarship applications as a committee member, I have been struck by the great financial need described by the applicants. Education has become a very expensive undertaking. Many students are working while attending school to make ends meet. Many students are adults(or single parents) with children in college or those who are seeking a second career and not eligible for state or federal assistance. The SCNF provides need assistance to students who are passionate about a career in nursing and helps to ease the burden and stress of educational expenses. (Elaine, Scholarship Committee, SCNF)

​First, let me say that I am eternally grateful to the South Carolina Nurses Foundation (SCNF) for helping me achieve my dream of obtaining a PhD in Nursing and becoming a nurses scientist and academic educator. After 25 years of nursing in leadership/management and critical care positions, I knew my passion lay in teaching nursing. As an older student, the investment in further graduate education was daunting. However, through being awarded a SCNF Faculty stipend, my financial worries were allayed and I was able to fully concentrate on learning to be the best researcher and educator I could be. I have now been conducting research and teaching undergraduate and graduate nursing students for seven years. The countless lives I have been able to positively influence are directly linked to the SCNF Faculty stipend. So, the financial assistance I received not only helped me but has clearly helped hundreds of nursing students and ultimately the lives of the countless patients they touch. (Brian C. recipient of a Faculty Development Stipend)