Rhode Island Nursing Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Rhode Island Foundation

Overview The Foundation distributes scholarships from multiple nursing endowments each year. A single Nursing Application can be submitted to be considered for any and all of these nursing scholarship awards.

Award information

• Scholarship awards range from $500 up to $10,000.
• Renewal awards are not automatic; applicants must submit a new application to be considered for continued funding.
• As a baseline requirement, applicants must either be residents of Rhode Island or be enrolled in a nursing program located in Rhode Island.

How to apply / required materials Complete the Nursing Application. The application packet may request items such as essays, official transcripts, a résumé worksheet, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documentation specific to each fund.

Scholarship fund eligibility and priorities Below are the primary eligibility rules and preferences associated with each named nursing scholarship fund. In addition to these fund-specific criteria, applicants must submit the Nursing Application and any requested supporting materials.

• Alumnae Association of Newport Hospital School of Nursing Scholarship

  • Must be a Rhode Island resident
  • Pursuing nursing studies

• Albert E. and Florence W. Newton Nursing Scholarship

  • Rhode Island residents may use the award to study nursing either in Rhode Island or out of state
  • Non–Rhode Island residents who are studying nursing in Rhode Island are also eligible
  • Previous award recipients may apply again

• John J. O'Connor Jr. Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund

  • Rhode Island resident enrolled at a Rhode Island nursing school
  • Candidates pursuing certification as a CNA, or an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing
  • Demonstrated academic achievement
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Former recipients may reapply

• Edward J. and Virginia M. Routhier Nursing Scholarship

  • Licensed registered nurses seeking a baccalaureate or graduate nursing degree in Rhode Island
  • Students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program in Rhode Island are eligible
  • Demonstrable financial need
  • Past recipients may reapply

• Willard and Marjorie Scheibe Nursing Scholarship

  • Rhode Island residents
  • Pursuing an LPN, RN, or advanced nursing degree
  • Financial need is a consideration
  • Previous recipients are eligible to submit another application

• Lillian Sparfven & Ethel Ferrara Fund Scholarship

  • Rhode Island residents
  • Demonstrated financial need required
  • Enrolled in an accredited nursing program working toward an LPN, RN, or advanced nursing degree
  • Preference for applicants who plan to practice in Rhode Island after graduation
  • Former recipients may reapply

• Surti Family Scholarship

  • Current employment in Rhode Island as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Preference given to CNAs employed first at Butler Hospital, then at Care New England (or its successor organization)

• Alan Edgar Wurdeman Scholarship Fund

  • Rhode Island residents
  • Pursuing an LPN or RN nursing degree
  • Must be attending a school in Rhode Island or Northeastern University School of Nursing
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 required
  • Preference for students who intend to remain and practice in Rhode Island after graduation
  • Past recipients may reapply

If you have questions about completing the Nursing Application or which funds you may qualify for, contact the Foundation for guidance.