The Bridge of Aspirations Foundation is launching a new initiative to expand access to nursing education via need‑based scholarships for students pursuing second‑degree or continuing education pathways—specifically accelerated BSN and RN‑to‑BSN programs.
Accelerated BSN applicants unable to enroll due to financial constraints.
Applicants facing hardship that can prevent enrollment or delay graduation.
Projected annual RN shortfall through 2032 (BLS), underscoring urgent need.
Students pursuing accelerated BSN and RN‑to‑BSN pathways often have a prior degree, making them ineligible for many traditional financial aid options. Data from peer institutions indicate that roughly one‑third of accelerated BSN applicants cannot begin due to cost; approximately 5% who do enroll later withdraw for financial reasons. In RN‑to‑BSN programs, about 13% cannot meet the financial requirements to start, and another 13% may delay or interrupt studies due to cost.
Taken together, an estimated 65% of applicants across these program types face financial hardship that can prevent enrollment, force early withdrawal, or delay graduation—at a time when the nation urgently needs more nurses.
The Bridge of Aspirations Foundation will provide need‑based scholarships to nursing students experiencing financial hardship. Eligible students will apply through an online application reviewed for both financial need and readiness to succeed in an accelerated or bridge program.
In addition to direct financial support, we seek to partner with educational institutions and community sponsors to improve student learning environments. Priorities include upgrading simulation lab equipment, expanding access to essential software and curriculum resources, and ensuring students gain practice experiences aligned with real‑world healthcare settings.
These investments help build a strong pipeline of prepared nurses—addressing the projected 210,000+ annual RN shortfall through 2032 and advancing the Foundation’s mission to invest in tomorrow’s healthcare workforce. Our goal is to help close this gap by removing the financial barriers that prevent capable, passionate individuals from entering or advancing in the nursing profession.
Your support helps students enter and advance in nursing—right where the need is greatest.
Scholarships for accelerated BSN and RN‑to‑BSN students facing hardship.
Upgraded simulation labs, software, and curriculum resources.
Building a stronger pipeline to help close the national RN gap.