Kankakee, IL – Nursing students in Kankakee County will soon have increased access to educational opportunities thanks to a pair of newly established two-year tuition scholarships funded by Riverside Healthcare. The initiative, set to launch in fall 2025, is designed to support junior and senior nursing students at Olivet Nazarene University while strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce.
According to a statement from Riverside Healthcare, the scholarships will cover any remaining tuition expenses for recipients’ junior and senior years, supplementing other scholarships if needed and providing full tuition coverage for students without additional aid. In return, recipients will agree to work at Riverside Healthcare during their final two years at Olivet on a temporary relief basis—completing at least two 8-hour shifts per month—and continue employment at Riverside for three years after graduation.
“Riverside is proud to partner with Olivet to invest in students who are pursuing their nursing degree,” said Philip Kambic, president and CEO of Riverside Healthcare. “This investment is a natural step in pursuit of our mission, and everyone benefits—Olivet, our employees, and our patients.”
Olivet Nazarene University officials emphasized the value of this community partnership for both students and local healthcare providers. According to Susan Wolff, associate vice president for institutional advancement at Olivet, the scholarship program advances Olivet’s local scholarship goals while helping meet regional workforce needs.
The ongoing partnership between Riverside and Olivet has resulted in additional educational opportunities, such as clinical internships and specialized training courses for students, including the Family Nurse Practitioner Immersion course developed from feedback provided by Riverside.
Olivet and Riverside leaders hope the new scholarships and expanded hands-on experiences will encourage nursing graduates to remain in Kankakee County, building a stronger healthcare system for the community.
For more information about Olivet’s nursing programs, prospective students can contact the Olivet Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-638-1463.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
