To address the nursing shortage that our community is facing, Beacon Health System and Ivy Tech Community College are collaborating to create the Beacon Scholar Program. This program will offer financial support to Ivy Tech Associate of Science in Nursing students by covering the cost of their tuition, fees and books as well as providing students with a living stipend.
Upon graduation, Beacon Scholars will have their spot waiting for them as a Beacon Health nurse.
Please see the frequently asked questions below for more information about the Beacon Scholar Program and how to take advantage of this opportunity.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility to the Beacon Scholar Program is automatic for any student enrolled in South Bend/ Elkhart’s Ivy Tech Associate in Science of Nursing (ASN) Program. There is no separate application required.
Please note that any candidate that is ineligible for rehire at Beacon is ineligible to be a Beacon Scholar. However, they are eligible for admittance to Ivy Tech’s programs.
Do I have to be a Beacon associate to become a Beacon Scholar?
Beacon Scholars do not have to be Beacon associates while pursuing their ASN.
Is this opportunity available at all Ivy Tech campuses in Indiana?
At this time, the Beacon Scholars Program is only available at Ivy Tech’s South Bend/Elkhart campus.
Are there prerequisite requirements?
There are no prerequisites required for the Beacon Scholar Program; however, there are pre-requisites required for Ivy Tech’s ASN Program. These are typically two semesters’ worth of classes. More information can be found on Ivy Tech’s ASN Program landing page linked here. For questions on your specific academic situation, please reach out to an Ivy Tech counselor.
Where do I apply? And when are applications available?
• If you are not currently an Ivy Tech student, please click here for Ivy Tech’s general application for admittance.
• Applications to Ivy Tech’s LPN – ASN transition program are closed for this year. Applicants should wait until the next application cycle. Applications are available here.
• Depending on interest, an extended deadline may be determined in the future. If you are interested in starting the LPN to ASN program this summer but are unable to meet this cycle’s deadline, we recommend you still express interest in the program. Please email asksouthbendelkhart@ivytech.edu to express your interest.
• Applications to Ivy Tech’s traditional ASN program are available from March 23 – May 17 for admission in the fall, apply here.
• If you are currently an ASN student at South Bend/Elkhart Ivy Tech, congratulations! You are automatically eligible to be a Beacon Scholar. Beacon administrators will soon be in one of your classes to give further details.
Can I transfer into the program from another school?
Yes, but this is dependent on your specific situation. We encourage you to reach out to an Ivy Tech counselor to discuss your options. Here are two resources for you to access as a starting point:
1. Ivy Tech Resource Center for Students – https://ivytech.edusupportcenter.com/shp/ivytech/home – this is where you can get in touch with someone and ask about the transfer process
2. Ivy Tech Nursing Program web center – https://www.ivytech.edu/nursing/ – this is Ivy Tech’s nursing program site that provides general information about their program.
What are the specifics of the financial support being offered?
Beacon Scholars will have their remaining tuition, books, and school fees covered while in the ASN program on a “last-dollar-in” basis. Prerequisites are not in the scope of the Beacon Scholar program. Beacon Scholars will also receive a stipend each semester as follows:
Traditional ASN:
1st Semester — $3,500
2nd Semester — $4,000
3rd Semester — $4,500
4th Semester — $5,250
Total Stipend — $17,250
LPN to ASN
Summer Term — $3,000
Fall Term — $4,500
Spring Term — $5,250
Total Stipend — $12,750
Are students in the LPN to ASN transition program eligible to be Beacon Scholars?
LPNs who are accepted into Ivy Tech’s LPN to ASN transition program to start this summer will have the opportunity to become Beacon Scholars. Tuition for all three semesters of the program will be eligible to be paid on a “last-dollar-in” basis. There will be a stipend for each term. The deadline for this year has closed. Applicants should wait until the next application cycle. Depending on the interest, an extended deadline may be determined in the future.
If you are interested in starting the LPN to ASN program this summer but are unable to meet this cycle’s deadline, please email asksouthbendelkhart@ivytech.edu to express your interest. Upon graduation from the program, Beacon Scholars will have peace of mind knowing that a full-time opportunity awaits. Scholars will transition into a bedside RN position under a 5-year post-graduation agreement. Placement will be determined based on system need and individual preference.
How would this scholarship work with my other financial aid that I get (PELL, Loans, 21st Century, etc.)?
The Beacon Scholar Program Scholarships are “last-dollar-in,” filling any gap left after other available scholarships are applied. Beacon Scholars will need to fill out the FAFSA and make their best efforts to secure any other available funding.
Will I be required to get a BSN once this is completed, and would there be financial assistance for that part of my journey?
Beacon associates will need to either obtain their BSN or certification in their specialty within 5 years of being employed by Beacon. Associates are eligible for Beacon’s tuition reimbursement benefits and other scholarship opportunities.
Am I able to opt out at any time, and what would that mean to me financially?
As part of the Beacon Scholar program, you will enter into an agreement with Beacon Health System for your scholarship, stipend, clinicals and employment. Any change in this agreement will be discussed with Beacon. Any financial support provided by Beacon in the form of tuition assistance, stipends, etc., will be owed to Beacon. Exceptions may be considered dependent upon individual circumstances.
What happens if I do not complete my ASN?
Any financial support provided by Beacon in the form of tuition assistance, stipends, etc., will be owed to Beacon. Exceptions may be considered dependent upon individual circumstances.
What resources are available to me to ensure my success?
Tutoring, NCLEX review, advising and student wraparound services are available to Beacon Scholars.
Still have questions?
For any academic or admissions-related questions, please reach out to Ivy Tech at: asksouthbendelkhart@ivytech.edu
For any other questions, please send an email to Beacon Health at: beaconscholars@beaconhealthsystem.org
Click here to read the initial announcement of the Beacon Scholar Program.