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The Alumni Association of the former Sioux Valley Hospital School of Nursing established this scholarship to perpetuate its proud tradition of supporting the heritage of nursing as a profession. 

Purpose: Promote nursing as a profession and provide financial support to students pursuing nursing careers.

Requirements & Eligibility: 

• Scholarships are available to junior or senior nursing students enrolled in educational programs leading to a baccalaureate degree in nursing or to students in a master’s degree nursing program. 
• The nursing program, in which the applicant is enrolled, must be nationally accredited—such as the National League of Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Selection of Recipients

Applicants will be reviewed equally, and they may be prioritized (depending upon the need) in the following manner when the selection process is made.

• Undergraduate nursing students—entry level nursing program.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a nationally accredited nursing program.
• Applicants who do not hold an RN license or who do not have a college degree in a different field.

SVHSN Alumni--current members* (Undergraduate or graduate level) may be considered based on the number of applicants; however, priority will be given to those applicants who do not hold an RN license. Priority will also be given to:

• Alumni children/grandchildren pursuing a career/degree in nursing*
• Sanford Health (Sioux Valley Hospital Employees)—enrolled in nursing.
• Students who are members of the armed forces or who are a veteran will be ranked within the same selection process as an alumnus, alumni relative or a Sanford Health employee.
• If an increased number of applicants is received, priority will be given to students who are attending local/regional colleges or universities.

Criteria for Applicants

• The applicant/student is enrolled in a nationally accredited bachelors in nursing program.
• The applicant/student must be a junior or senior of the incoming year.
• The applicant/student must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater.
• The applicant/student will submit official online application forms.
• Applicants/students enrolled in a nursing accelerated program may be considered, but priority will be given to those applicants who do not hold a degree prior to entering a nursing baccalaureate program.
• The applicant/student will submit an official online application through Sanford USD Medical Center's link.

Applicants will be required to complete the following forms:

• Application Form
• Three (3) Reference Forms: the references used are not to be personal friends or relatives; faculty members or employers are highly recommended; the forms are to be submitted by the individual via the online application process.
• Letter: This is a narrative account of personal and professional goals, past achievements, and other information/circumstances that would be helpful for the Alumni Trust Committee when assessing the financial need, and when making the selection process.
• Transcript of Previous Work (College/University)
• Verification of Acceptance in a nationally accredited nursing Accredited program
• Courses currently enrolled or future courses to be enrolled in.

All application forms must be completed and returned through the online application process by November 15th.   Applicants will be informed about scholarships by the fall semester.

Award: The number of awards and scholarship amounts each year varies.

Award Distribution: Scholarship awards are paid directly to you, the employee or student, to ensure a smooth transition of funds please follow the below steps: 

• Employees - Please make sure to have your direct deposit set up in One Source (Workday) prior to the end of the desired semester or before payment is to be sent. For step by step instructions on how to set this up refer to the Manage Payment Elections for Expense Reimbursements located on the One Source Expenses article.
• Students - The application has a section to complete and upload your W-9 form, please complete this prior to submitting your application. Once we confirm your W-9 form is completed accurately, a paper check will be mailed to the address listed on the W-9 form.

Donors: Members of the Sioux Valley Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association

For questions or technical assistance, please email EducationalAssistance@sanfordhealth.org.