by BCSF Staff
Bethel Community Services Foundation is excited to announce the addition of the Future Delta Nurses Fund to our growing lineup of funds. BCSF and its funds are dedicated to community growth and enhancement in Bethel and throughout the YK Delta.
The Future Delta Nurses Fund was proposed to the Foundation by members of the current Bethel Nursing Cohort of the University of Alaska Anchorage Nursing Program. It will provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the Bethel Nursing Cohort in their final semester of the program. The financial assistance will help defer the out of pocket costs each student incurs during their clinical rotations in a larger hospital outside of the YK Delta – often in Anchorage.
Current member of the Bethel Nursing Cohort, Laura Ellsworth, explains, “The vision of this fund is to provide a long-lasting scholarship stream for future generations. It’s exciting to be a part of the beginning of what we hope is a legacy of education in healthcare for the YK Delta. This is something that is very close to our hearts. The women in our cohort were working part-time or full-time jobs alongside the full load of schoolwork. If we can help alleviate some of the financial stress that future students encounter and make it a little easier for those that are coming behind us, I believe we will see locally grown nurses stay in-region to make successful careers at home.”
While they are out of the region for these rotations, Bethel-based nursing students are expected to provide their own housing, food and local transportation. The out of pocket costs can range from $1,000 – $2,000 or more. For many, this additional cost creates a serious burden.
Members of the Bethel Nursing Cohort hope that this fund will help relieve the financial strain of out-of-region training requirements and as a result, reduce the barriers local nursing students face in achieving their educational goals.
Nikki Corbett, current member of the Bethel Nursing Cohort, states, “It is important to have locally grown nurses to give back to our community. I want to be a role model for the younger generations to show them that they can attain their goals whatever they may be, big or small. As a Yup’ik woman, I want my patients to feel comfortable knowing that their health is in good hands.”
Individuals, businesses and corporations are invited to make contributions to this important fund to support the successes of local students studying nursing in our region. Contributions can be made in a number of ways:
ONLINE: at bit.ly/FutureDeltaNurses will lead to a secure site for giving OR by visiting bcsfoundation.org > Donate tab
IN-PERSON: Cash, check or credit card will be accepted at 1795 Chief Eddie Hoffman HWY
MAIL: Checks made out to Bethel Community Services Foundation with Future Delta Nurses in the memo can be sent to BCSF at PO Box 2189, Bethel, AK 99559
PHONE: Credit card contributions can be made by calling 907-543-1812