Beacon Scholar Program

Purpose: To combat the nursing shortage by providing comprehensive financial support and guaranteed employment to nursing students.

Program Overview

Beacon Scholars receive:

• Full tuition coverage on a "last-dollar-in" basis (after other financial aid applied)
• Books and school fees fully covered
• Semester stipends while enrolled in ASN program
• NCLEX exam fee ($250, covered in 4th semester stipend)
• KAPLAN review course ($500 value, fully covered)
• Guaranteed full-time RN position upon graduation under 3-year post-graduation agreement

Eligibility

• Automatic eligibility: All students enrolled in Ivy Tech Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at South Bend/Elkhart campus
• No separate application required
• Does not require being a Beacon associate during studies
• Some candidates ineligible for rehire at Beacon are ineligible for Beacon Scholar status but remain eligible for Ivy Tech admittance
• LPN to ASN transition program students eligible

Geographic Scope

• Available only at Ivy Tech's South Bend/Elkhart campus
• Beacon Health System service area (Indiana)

Financial Support Details

• Prerequisites NOT covered by Beacon Scholar program
• Last-dollar-in model: other financial aid (PELL, loans, 21st Century) applied first
• FAFSA required; students must pursue all available funding

Post-Graduation Requirements

• 3-year employment commitment as bedside RN at Beacon Health
• Placement based on system need and individual preference
• BSN or specialty certification required within 5 years of employment
• Beacon tuition reimbursement benefits and other scholarships available for BSN pursuit

Support Services Available

• Tutoring
• NCLEX review
• Academic advising
• Student wraparound services

What Happens If Student Doesn't Complete ASN

• All financial support (tuition assistance, stipends) must be repaid to Beacon
• Exceptions may be considered based on individual circumstances

Contact Information

For academic/admissions questions: asksouthbendelkhart@ivytech.edu
For other questions: beaconscholars@beaconhealthsystem.org

Background

Beacon and Ivy Tech Elkhart-South Bend partnered in 2022 to create the Beacon School of Nursing, addressing critical nursing shortages while supporting equitable economic prosperity in underrepresented minority communities.

How to Enroll

1. Apply to Ivy Tech - Submit general application to Ivy Tech Community College
2. Complete prerequisites (typically two semesters of coursework)
3. Apply to ASN Program - Apply to Ivy Tech's Associate of Science in Nursing program
4. Automatic Beacon Scholar eligibility - Once enrolled in ASN program, automatic eligibility (no separate application needed)

Application Resources

For Ivy Tech Admissions:

• Ivy Tech general application: Available at ivytech.edu
• ASN program applications and deadlines: Available on Ivy Tech's ASN program page
• Transfer inquiries: Contact Ivy Tech Resource Center for Students

For Academic Questions:

• Email: asksouthbendelkhart@ivytech.edu
• Ivy Tech Nursing Program web center for general program information

For Beacon Scholar Program Questions:

• Email: beaconscholars@beaconhealthsystem.org

Transfer Students

• Transfer into program possible depending on individual circumstances
• Consult with Ivy Tech counselor to discuss options
• Ivy Tech Resource Center can assist with transfer process questions

Financial Aid Integration

• Must complete FAFSA
• Must make best efforts to secure all other available funding
• Beacon Scholar support fills remaining gap after other aid applied