Beacon Scholar Program

What will being a Beacon Scholar get me?

Beacon Scholars can focus on their studies knowing that all of their tuition, books, and school fees for Ivy Tech’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Program are fully paid for by Beacon Health System. We recognize, though, that there are other financial challenges that come with being a full-time student. In efforts to help students further, Beacon Scholars will receive a stipend every semester while in the ASN program, which includes funding for the NCLEX exam and Kaplan study materials in their last semester.

Beacon scholars can also rest assured knowing they have a full-time bedside RN career waiting for them following graduation.

How to Enroll

All students enrolled in Ivy Tech’s ASN program are automatically eligible to become a Beacon Scholar!

• First apply to Ivy Tech to complete any prerequisite courses needed for the ASN program
• If you are already an Ivy Tech student and have completed your prerequisites, apply to the ASN program.

Apply to Ivy Tech  Apply to ASN Program

FAQs

To address the nursing shortage that our community is facing, Beacon Health System and Ivy Tech Community College have collaborated to create the Beacon Scholar Program. This program will give financial support to Ivy Tech Associate of Science in Nursing students by covering the cost of their tuition, fees, and books as well as provide 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 pre-requisite 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 look at Ivy Tech’s general application for admittance.
• Applications and deadline information for Ivy Tech’s ASN program can be found here.

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:

• Ivy Tech Resource Center for Students – this is where you can get in touch with someone and ask about the transfer process
• Ivy Tech Nursing Program web center – 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:

*$250 of 4th semester stipend to be used for NCLEX fee. Beacon Scholars will also be required to attend a KAPLAN review course valued at $500. The cost for this course will be covered by Beacon.

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 3-year post-graduation agreement. Placement will be determined based on system need and individual preference.

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 (see above LPN to ASN chart).

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. Email : asksouthbendelkhart@ivytech.edu
For any other questions, send us an email. Email : beaconscholars@beaconhealthsystem.org