Beacon Scholar Program

Funder: Beacon Health System and Ivy Tech Community College (partnership)

The Beacon Scholar Program provides comprehensive financial support to nursing students at Ivy Tech Elkhart-South Bend's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program, addressing the critical nursing shortage while promoting equity in underrepresented minorities.

Geographic Scope: Ivy Tech Elkhart-South Bend campus only (at this time)

Focus Areas:

• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) education
• Nursing workforce development
• Equitable economic prosperity for underrepresented minorities
• Addressing community nursing shortage

Eligibility:

• Enrolled in Ivy Tech's ASN program at South Bend/Elkhart campus
• Automatic eligibility - no separate application required for Ivy Tech ASN students
• Do not need to be Beacon employees while pursuing ASN
• LPN to ASN transition program students also eligible
• Must not be ineligible for rehire at Beacon (applies to Beacon associates only)
• No prerequisite requirements for program (prerequisites required for ASN program itself - typically 2 semesters)

Award Details:

• Tuition, books, and school fees: Fully covered on "last-dollar-in" basis (after other scholarships applied)
• Semester stipends: Provided each semester during ASN program
• NCLEX exam: $250 from 4th semester stipend designated for fee
• Kaplan review course: Valued at $500, fully covered by Beacon
• Post-graduation employment: Full-time bedside RN position guaranteed under 3-year post-graduation agreement

What They DO Fund:

• All tuition for ASN program
• Books and school fees
• Semester stipends
• NCLEX exam fee
• Kaplan NCLEX review course

What They DON'T Fund:

• Prerequisite coursework (not in scope of Beacon Scholar program)

Additional Support:

• Tutoring services
• NCLEX review
• Academic advising
• Student wraparound services
• Career placement support

Post-Graduation Requirements:

• 3-year employment commitment as RN at Beacon
• Placement based on system need and individual preference
• BSN or specialty certification required within 5 years of employment
• Eligible for Beacon tuition reimbursement for BSN/certification pursuit

Special Notes:

• "Last-dollar-in" scholarship: Covers gap after other financial aid (PELL, loans, 21st Century, etc.)
• Students must complete FAFSA and pursue all other available funding
• Tuition assistance and stipends must be repaid to Beacon if student does not complete ASN (exceptions may be considered)
• Optional opt-out available but requires repayment of financial support; exceptions considered case-by-case

Contact Information:

• Academic/Admissions Questions: asksouthbendelkhart@ivytech.edu
• Program Questions: beaconscholars@beaconhealthsystem.org

How to Enroll

1. If not yet an Ivy Tech student:
   • Apply to Ivy Tech for general admittance
   • Complete prerequisite courses (typically 2 semesters)
   • Apply to ASN program
2. If already an Ivy Tech student with completed prerequisites:
   • Apply directly to the ASN program
3. Automatic Eligibility:
   • All students enrolled in Ivy Tech's ASN program are automatically eligible to become a Beacon Scholar
   • No separate scholarship application required
   • Automatic enrollment upon ASN program admission

Resources for Application

Ivy Tech General Application: Apply for admittance to Ivy Tech Community College

ASN Program Application: Submit application to Ivy Tech's Associate of Science in Nursing program

For Transfer Students: Contact Ivy Tech counselor to discuss transfer options and process

Support Services

• Ivy Tech Resource Center for Students (for transfer inquiries)
• Ivy Tech Nursing Program web center (general program information)
• Beacon Scholars team for program-specific questions