Nursing receives funding for undergraduate scholarships

The University at Buffalo (UB) School of Nursing has secured a $1.35 million grant from the Bedford Falls Foundation – DAF to launch the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship program. This initiative will provide financial aid to approximately 60 undergraduate students each year for the next three years, with each recipient receiving an average annual award of $7,275. The scholarship program, named in honor of Joanne and William Conway, aims to alleviate financial burdens for students pursuing a traditional BS in nursing degree. Annette Wysocki, dean of the School of Nursing, emphasized the critical role of nurses in patient care, noting that baccalaureate-prepared nurses reduce hospital mortality by 25% and provide 86% of direct patient care in acute settings. The funding comes as the U.S. faces a growing nursing shortage, with the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projecting a deficit of 108,960 registered nurses by 2038. Nursing schools struggle with capacity constraints, while federal changes will soon limit borrowing for students. The scholarship program is designed to help students complete their degrees without overwhelming debt, enabling them to pursue advanced roles such as nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists. Bill Conway highlighted the foundation’s commitment to addressing the nursing workforce shortage, stating, 'The need for nurses has never been greater.' The initiative aligns with the Bedford Falls Foundation’s mission to remove barriers to high-quality nursing education, ensuring more students can enter the profession to serve their communities. By reducing financial strain, the scholarship allows students to focus on their studies and clinical training, improving their readiness for practice in complex healthcare environments. The program also supports long-term career growth by easing the burden of student debt.