Beacon Scholar Program

Beacon Scholar Program

Funder: Beacon Health System and Ivy Tech Community College

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.