The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation on Tuesday awarded St. Francis College $1.18 million in grants to support its nursing program.
The funding will be distributed over three years, and will provide scholarships for nursing students and support faculty residencies aimed at enhancing the quality of education at SFC, according to a press release.
Since its inception, the Mother Cabrini Nursing Scholarship at SFC has provided financial assistance to more than 100 students, prioritizing those from low-income, high-achieving or historically excluded backgrounds.
“These tuition scholarships not only enable students to enroll and persist in their studies but also prepare them to serve as healthcare professionals in their communities,” said Mary Kate Kasler, an assistant professor and chair of the nursing department at St. Francis College. “By aligning with the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation's priorities of healthcare workforce development and educational attainment, the scholarships promote access to quality education and critical healthcare services for underserved populations.”
In addition to scholarships, the MCHF grants will support faculty residencies, ensuring that nursing students at SFC are trained by leading healthcare professionals. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address the ongoing nursing shortage in New York State and nationwide.
SFC President Miguel Martinez-Saenz praised the partnership, calling it a vital step in fostering a healthier New York City.
“The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation’s support allows us to prepare a diverse generation of healthcare workers who will serve with excellence and compassion,” he said.
Over the past five years, MCHF has contributed a total of $2.23 million to the college’s nursing and health-and-wellness programs, helping to eliminate financial barriers for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
