Win-Win for Illinois College Nursing Student and Jacksonville Memorial Hospital
Justine Agsalda wanted to become a nurse, and Jacksonville Memorial Foundation was happy to come alongside in support of her nursing program at Illinois College.
The now 22-year-old from Jacksonville learned about available scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers and interested in working at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital (JMH). The funding provided by local donors made pursuing her nursing degree sustainable.
“With the nursing scholarship, the burden of school bills was taken off my shoulders,” she said. “It just made the learning process less stressful.”
Now, as Justine wraps up her final semester at Illinois College and prepares for her boards this summer, she’s stepping into a nursing role at the same hospital she’s called home the past couple of years. The scholarship comes with a post-graduation work commitment to JMH, which means a job is already lined up before she even takes her boards.
“We are grateful to the donors who make these scholarships possible,” said foundation director Kristin Jamison. “Our community understands how important it is to support our healthcare professionals and make it easier for them to advance their careers right here in Jacksonville.”
Balancing classes and shifts is never easy, but with the financial pressure lifted, Justine has been able to focus on what brought her to healthcare in the first place: caring for her community. And with graduation around the corner, she is excited to continue her career at JMH.
“This experience has taught me that as long as I am willing to learn, flourish and commit, help will always be available through Memorial Health.”
The Healthcare Career Education Grant program helps create a pipeline of professional clinical staff for the hospital. Applications for foundation education assistance opportunities are accepted throughout the year.
There are also specific foundation scholarships open to eligible high school and college-age students as well. Learn more about the foundation scholarships available in your community.
Jacksonville Memorial Foundation
Taylorville Memorial Foundation