Rhode Island Nursing Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Rhode Island Foundation

Here’s a clearer, teacher-friendly version of the information about the Foundation’s nursing scholarships. Read it like a checklist—know what’s required, who qualifies, and where to focus your effort.

Quick overview
- The Foundation awards multiple nursing scholarships each year from different funds.
- One Nursing Application can be used to apply for all available nursing scholarships.
- Award amounts range from $500 to $10,000.
- Scholarship renewals are not automatic — you must reapply each year.
- Applicants must either be Rhode Island residents or be attending a nursing program in Rhode Island (specific funds have additional provisions; see each fund below).

What you’ll need to apply
- Complete the Nursing Application.
- Be prepared to submit: essays, transcripts, a résumé worksheet, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents requested.

Scholarship funds and their criteria
- Alumnae Association of Newport Hospital School of Nursing Scholarship
- Rhode Island residents
- Pursuing nursing education

- Albert E. and Florence W. Newton Nursing Scholarship
- Rhode Island residents studying nursing in or out of state
- Non‑Rhode Island residents studying nursing in Rhode Island
- Past recipients are eligible to reapply

- John J. O’Connor Jr. Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund
- Rhode Island resident attending a Rhode Island school
- Pursuing CNA, Associate, or Bachelor’s nursing degree
- Academic excellence
- Financial need
- Past recipients are eligible to reapply

- Edward J. and Virginia M. Routhier Nursing Scholarship
- Licensed RNs seeking a baccalaureate or graduate nursing degree in Rhode Island
- Students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program in Rhode Island
- Financial need
- Past recipients are eligible to reapply

- Willard and Marjorie Scheibe Nursing Scholarship
- Rhode Island residents
- Pursuing LPN, RN, or advanced nursing degree
- Financial need
- Past recipients are eligible to reapply

- Lillian Sparfven & Ethel Ferrara Fund Scholarship
- Rhode Island residents
- Demonstrated financial need
- Attending an accredited nursing program for LPN, RN, or advanced nursing degree
- Preference for students who intend to practice in Rhode Island after graduation
- Past recipients are eligible to reapply

- Surti Family Scholarship
- Students currently working in Rhode Island as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
- Preference for CNAs employed at Butler Hospital; then Care New England (or its successor)

- Alan Edgar Wurdeman Scholarship Fund
- Rhode Island residents
- Pursuing LPN or RN degrees
- Attending a school in Rhode Island or Northeastern University School of Nursing
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Preference for students committed to staying in Rhode Island after graduation
- Past recipients are eligible to reapply

Final notes (teacher-to-student)
- Use a single Nursing Application to apply broadly—don’t miss funds you qualify for.
- Follow directions carefully and submit complete supporting documents (strong essays and recommendations help).
- If you receive a scholarship and want support in a subsequent year, apply again—renewals require reapplication.

Good luck—if you’re serious about nursing and eligible for any of these funds, take the time to complete the application thoroughly.