NSU, NEO awarded $2M grant for Native American nursing students

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and Inter-Tribal Council, Inc. were recently awarded a $2 million grant through a cooperative agreement with Indian Health Services to support the success of Native American nursing students in Oklahoma.

The Northeast Oklahoma Recruitment and Advancement of American Indians into Nursing program will provide recruitment, mentorship, student support services, application assistance, scholarships and stipends.

“Over 70 percent of the award will go directly into the hands of Native American students to cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, living stipends and other educational expenses,” Dr. Sydney Dorrough, associate director for the Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions, said. “NSU will distribute scholarships ranging from $10,000 - $20,000 in the areas of RN to BSN, and BSN to MSN while NEO will fund scholars from the pre-health, ADN and fast-track degrees.”

Dorrough said the cooperative agreement also hopes to strengthen the Northeast Oklahoma Recruitment and Advancement of American Indians into the Nursing Pathway (NEORAAIN), aiming to increase enrollment in nursing programs by 5 percent while improving retention and transfer rates by 5 percent each. This pathway enhances a seamless transition for students between the two institutions.

“NSU, NEO and Inter-Tribal Council, Inc. working together is the perfect example of how the impact of Social Determinants of Health on Native American nursing students can be addressed. This collaboration among researchers, higher education, healthcare institutions, policymakers and community organizations demonstrates how we can focus on the SDOH alongside the Social Determinants of Education to figure out how to best provide student support,” Dr. Cynthia Brown, NEORAAIN Co-Project Director and NEO nursing instructor, said.

Although more strategies are required to emphasize the goals of this grant, Brown said strategic concepts are discussed often, implemented and are continuously expanded to provide students with information, one-on-one support, mentorship and resources that solve immediate problems.

“This cooperative agreement with IHS will remove roadblocks without marginalization of Native American students and will ensure long-term success for our nursing students and increased health equity for our communities here in Northeast Oklahoma,” Brown said.

Dorrough said NSU and NEO are passionate about ensuring well-trained scholars complete their degrees and enter the workforce to meet community healthcare needs.

“This grant represents a monumental step forward in our commitment to supporting Native American students in their pursuit of nursing careers,” NSU President Rodney Hanley said. “Through these partnerships, we not only invest in the future of our students but also the health and well-being of our communities.”

For more information on nursing programs at NSU, visit nsuok.edu/nursing.

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