Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students - Bethel University, a private liberal arts institution in St. Paul, Minnesota, seeks funding through the HRSA Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program to strengthen recruitment, retention, and graduation of disadvantaged students in its Nurse-Midwifery program. This initiative aligns with HRSA priorities to build a stronger healthcare workforce, improve maternal health outcomes, and expand access to quality care in primary care settings and Medically Underserved Communities (MUCs), with a particular focus on rural areas. The proposed project addresses critical barriers to nurse-midwifery education, including financial hardship, limited access to clinical training in underserved settings, and systemic inequities that disproportionately affect disadvantaged students. Over five years, Bethel University will provide 50 full-tuition scholarships, mentorship programs, travel reimbursements for clinical placements, and comprehensive training to ensure equitable access to education and professional success for these students. Scholarships will prioritize economically disadvantaged students, alleviating financial strain and enabling full engagement in academic and clinical training. Mentorship programs will connect students with alumni and faculty to foster retention and career readiness, particularly for graduates entering underserved areas. Travel reimbursements of up to $2,172 per student will address the financial burdens of clinical placements in rural and MUC settings. Bethel University’s Nurse-Midwifery program has a strong track record of success, with 20% students from disadvantaged backgrounds, 89% of graduates entering primary care roles, and 52% practicing in MUCs and 30% in rural areas. This funding will enable the program to further reduce systemic barriers, address financial inequities, and expand its capacity to graduate culturally competent midwives prepared to serve in high-need areas. Bethel University requests funding priorities 1, 2, and 3 based on the program’s demonstrated success: - Priority 1: High enrollment of disadvantaged students (20%). - Priority 2: High rate of graduates entering primary care roles (89%). - Priority 3: High rate of graduates practicing in MUCs (52%) and rural areas (30%). Through these initiatives, Bethel University reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the health professions, building a sustainable pipeline of midwifery professionals equipped to work in primary care settings, reduce maternal health disparities, and improve access to care in underserved communities.
