Will County to offer nursing, teaching scholarships for 2 years’ work in county
The Will County Board voted Thursday to allocate $23.5 million in federal pandemic relief funds to invest in economic development opportunities.
The board approved $10 million to develop a scholarship program to support the education and retention of nurses and teachers.
The board is working with the higher education institutions, including the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Lewis University in Romeoville, Governors State University in University Park and Joliet Junior College, to develop a program where county residents who plan study nursing or education can receive a scholarship if they agree to work in the county for two years after graduation.
The details are still being finalized and will return to the board for final approval, according to board documents.
Minority Leader Mike Fricilone, a Republican from Homer Glen, said he was excited about the program and believes those interested in teaching and nursing will remain in Will County after the two years.
Arvid Johnson, president of St. Francis University, said last week the scholarship program will address a shortage of nurses and teachers and help make college education as affordable as possible. Johnson said officials with the four higher education institutions have collaborated. Funds will go to the students and will not go to administrative fees, Johnson said.
Board members said if students do not work for at least two years in Will County after graduation, then they would have to return any scholarship funds.
The economic development allocation comes from nearly $134 million of federal funds known as the American Rescue Plan Act that Will County received to help move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The remaining economic development funds will be used to help offset any negative impacts from the pandemic, such as assisting to affected nonprofit organizations, aiding travel, tourism and hospitality industries and developing job and workforce centers, county board documents said.
Grant applications have to be approved by the county.
The county has previously allocated a portion of these funds to health-related initiatives, food stabilization programs, violence prevention programs, behavioral and mental health programs and substance use treatment and prevention initiatives.
Funds have also been allocated to help townships, fire protection, park and library districts, special recreation associations and public safety entities.
The county has been working with consulting firm Anser Advisory to help it manage the relief funds and ensure they comply with the federal guidelines. All funds must be obligated by December 2024 and spent by December 2026.