NWTC Receives Grant to Increase Diversity within the Nursing Workforce

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NWTC receives grant to provide aid to its students faced with economic barriers and increase diversity within the nursing workforce.

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College has been awarded a $1.8 million grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide aid to its students faced with economic barriers and increase diversity within the nursing workforce.

NWTC’s grant proposal, Educating Aspiring Registered Nurses (EARN), will focus on increasing the number of underserved students on track to graduate from the Associate Degree Nursing program.

“Our hope is to increase our student’s motivation and ability to excel in their academic journey by helping them see their accomplishments and providing the tools to overcome any barriers to their success,” said Brian Krogh, NWTC associate dean of health & sciences.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, registered nurses rank #4 in occupations with the largest number of projected openings from now through 2028. Today, racial diversity among employed registered nurses in Brown County is low (268 employees) compared to the national average for a region of this size (1,242 employees).
“Nurses typically have the most face time with patients than any other caregiver, so it’s important that these front-line workers are representative of our growing diverse community that they serve,” said Cynthia Theys, NWTC associate dean of health & sciences.

Over the course of four years, EARN will assist 50 students in obtaining their nursing associate degree through NWTC. Students who are of racial minority, low-income, and educationally underserved will be eligible.

Participants of EARN will develop a personalized career plan and receive financial aid, mentorship, professional networking opportunities, and more.

Registration for fall 2021 classes is available now. Visit NWTC’s Nursing Associate Degree to start your career and make a difference in the lives of your community.