91����

College of Central Florida nursing students are benefitting from a new Citrus County Hospital Board Nursing Scholarship, which covers 100% of tuition and fees for Citrus County residents accepted into 91����’s Associate Degree Nursing program. Through the inaugural round of scholarships, 44 students had their tuition completely paid for the Fall 2024 semester, collectively receiving nearly $53,000 in funds.

“In my cohort, a lot of us are working double time, and it can be really hard to balance that work with schooling. So now with this scholarship, we’re able to focus primarily on school,” said Aleigh Alexander, a third semester nursing student at the 91���� Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus. “This is going to open so many more doors for us because we’re able to 100% focus on our education and grow as future nurses.”

The CCHB scholarship was made possible by an $11.7 million endowment established by the 91���� Foundation in partnership with the Citrus County Hospital Board. To qualify for the scholarship, students must be Citrus County residents and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the 91���� Foundation scholarship application annually.

The 91���� Nursing program has received several national recognitions for its quality, including being ranked No. 1 Nursing Program in Florida by RegisteredNursing.org and No. 3 for Best Online Nursing Programs in Florida by Research.com. Most recently, 91���� was included on US News and World Report list of Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs, in which 91���� was ranked as the highest among Florida College System institutions.

“I want to become a nurse because I want to help people,” said Julia Harrigan, a level one 91���� Nursing student. “This scholarship helps so much. I don’t believe I would be able to attend 91���� without the scholarship.”

91���� anticipates supporting as many as 50 future registered nurses a year through the CCHB scholarship fund. To learn more about the 91���� Nursing program, visit 91����.edu/Nursing. To explore opportunities for supporting students through endowments, visit 91����.edu/Foundation.