NASHUA – Rivier University last week announced the receipt of the third installment of a three-year, $930,000 Nursing Workforce Diversity grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The final installment of $350,000 caps off a funding commitment that began in 2014. The federal grant is one of about 15 awarded each year, and it is designed to enhance nursing workforce diversity within the Nashua region.

The grant is meant to support underrepresented and first-generation students with scholarships and stipends, academic enrichment and diversity activities and enhanced cultural competency programs.

“Diversity in the nursing workforce is a necessary reflection of America’s changing population,” said Sister Paula Marie Buley, president of Rivier, in a press statement.

The Health Resources and Services Administration grant funds have provided “educational and experiential opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and enriched Rivier’s nursing program for the benefit of all,” she added.

The grant also supports the development of the Rivier Success and Visionary Project, known as RSVP. The project includes a system of peer and faculty mentors for RSVP students, along with summer programs to for incoming freshmen and a bridge program for sophomores.

Participating students will live in Rivier University residence halls and experience many aspects of on-campus living.

“The energy and commitment of the students admitted through the RSVP program is impressive,” said Dr. Paula Williams, dean of the Division of Nursing and Health Professions and RSVP director, in a statement.

“The summer programs and ongoing mentoring support allowed these students to make a smooth transition to the academic rigors of the fall semester this past year,” she said. “We look forward to seeing them earn their B.S. in nursing degrees and to serving the diverse populations of the Greater Nashua community and beyond.”

– TINA FORBES

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