Will County Launches $10M Scholarship Program For Nurses, Teachers

WILL COUNTY, IL — Will County has launched its $10 million "Will County Heroes" scholarship program to support students seeking careers in teaching and nursing, according to a news release from Lewis University. The county has allocated $2.5 million to Lewis University as part of the program.

The county is investing $10 million in American Rescue Plan dollars to increase recruitment in these fields and incentivize future graduates to work in Will County.

“Will County is proud to be empowering the next generation of heroes within our schools and hospitals,” County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant said in a release. “By working with partners throughout the county, we are supporting both quality education and long-term career success for students. I urge students to consider this scholarship opportunity as they plan for their future.”

In addition to Lewis University, Will County has also allocated $2.5 million to Governors State University, Joliet Junior College and University of St. Francis. Eligible students at each institution can receive $2,500 per semester or $5,000 an academic year to support their pursuit of a teaching or nursing degree, according to the university.

“Governors State University is excited to join Lewis University, University of St. Francis, and Joliet Junior College in the partnership that has been created to increase the workforce supply of teachers and nurses that will serve the Will County residential and business community,” Dr. Cheryl Green, President of Governors State University, said in a release. “This innovative collaboration serves as a model for institutions seeking to enhance the diverse needs of the local economy. We are grateful to Will County for their investment in the future of our students and the emerging workforce.”

The program's goal is to incentivize teaching and nursing graduates to grow their careers in Will County. The program will aim to create an active pipeline to employers throughout the county after they graduate, according to the university.

Ascension St. Joseph and Silver Cross Hospital will act as the inaugural pipeline partners for nursing students. The Will County Center for Economic Development and Workforce Center of Will County will also support the development of career pipelines.

"This is a collaborative plan with a shared vision and JJC is proud to partner with our peer institutions to make it happen,” Dr. Clyne Namuo, President of Joliet Junior College, said in a news release. "Through this initiative, we will create intentional pathways and meaningful teaching and nursing career opportunities for our residents. This is a unique opportunity, and we are grateful for the County's investment in this work."

Eligible students include those pursuing teacher certification for elementary education, special education, and secondary education, along with students interested in becoming a Registered Nurse, either through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Associates Degree in Nursing, the university said in a release.

“Will County has made a bold and innovative investment in the future of the county through the Teaching and Nursing Grant program,” Dr. David Livingston, President of Lewis University, said in a release. “The shortage of nurses and teachers in the region is a genuine challenge to our county and our state.”

Will County has been allocated $134.1 million in ARPA funding as part of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, according to a news release. The Will County Board approved the $10 million investment in scholarships as part of a $23.5 million allocation into countywide economic development. All ARPA funding must be spent by fall 2026.

“The University of St. Francis is privileged to support this strategic and visionary investment by Will County to address the critical demand for teachers and nurses to meet our present and future needs,” Arvid C. Johnson, President of University of St. Francis, said in a release. We are proud to join with our higher-education partners – at JJC, Lewis, and Governor’s State – in bringing this vision to reality in a way that will positively impact the county for years, if not decades, to come."

Students can apply for the Will County Heroes scholarship at their respective college or university.