Lee Health has partnered with Florida Gulf Coast University to incentivize nursing students to live and work in Lee County by implementing the new Lee Health Florida Gulf Coast University Nursing Scholarship Program.

The health system is excited to announce that it has accepted the first cohort of 21 students. Scholarship recipients will apply to a Lee Health Nurse Residency program before their final semester and commit to work for Lee Health for 18 months upon graduation from the program. Going forward with continued funding, Lee Health hopes to welcome both a spring and fall cohort of students each year.

This scholarship is made possible through the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) grant combining funds from the state of Florida and the Lee Health Foundation, and it contributes to the nursing education of current or prospective Lee Health employees who have been accepted into FGCU’s School of Nursing.

Along with financial support, the recipients of the scholarship will experience Lee Health’s culture and commitment to nursing through participation in activities to enrich students’ educational experience and prepare them for practice beyond graduation. These activities include educational speakers, conferences, symposiums and interdisciplinary rounds, as well as clinical rotations in Lee Health facilities to gain exposure and experience.

“We have such a fantastic pool of local talent at FGCU and we are thrilled to take advantage of that,” said Jen Higgins, Lee Health’s chief nursing officer. “At Lee Health, we are focused on empowering our nurses to lead at every level. We want Lee Health to be a place where nurses come to grow, hone their skills, and confidently pursue their calling. The partnership with FGCU will help support and elevate Lee Health’s commitment to quality patient care in the Southwest Florida community, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this collaboration.”

The Lee Health Florida Gulf Coast University Nursing Scholarship Program will contribute up to $10,000 per student to assist in educational costs. Lee Health will also provide participants with enrichment activities, the ability to complete clinical rotations at one of its facilities, and more.

Acceptance into the program is based on the applicant’s prior academic achievement, personal statement submission, interview and overall evaluation.

To learn more about the Lee Health Florida Gulf Coast University Nursing Scholarship Program, visit leehealth.org.

About Lee Health

Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Health care services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at LeeHealth.org.