Raritan Valley Community College recently received a second historic gift from the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation (SHCHF) to support the college’s nursing students.
The $90,000 donation to the RVCC Foundation was announced this week by the Community Foundation of New Jersey. As with last year’s $100,000 gift, the new commitment will fund 10 full scholarships, at $7,500 each, with an additional $15,000 to be used to help offset textbook and nursing program expenses for dozens of other nursing students.
“The continued support of the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation will have a transformational impact on our nursing students,” said Michael McDonough, Ph.D., president, Raritan Valley Community College. “We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation.”
Recent RVCC graduates said the nursing scholarships enabled them to complete their degrees.
“I wouldn’t be here without this incredible support. It has truly been life changing for me,” said Elicia Levandoski, a Class of ’23 graduate of the RVCC nursing program and one of 10 inaugural recipients of last year’s historic gift from the SHCHF.
Added Janet Nyambura, also a Class of ’23 RVCC nursing graduate and one of last year’s 10 recipients, “The impact this gift had on me personally cannot be overstated. But it was also transformative to my family. I will always be grateful to have benefitted from such generosity.”
To be eligible for the scholarships, students must be enrolled in the college’s nursing program and participating in their second year of clinicals during the 2023-2024 academic year. Students must be enrolled in at least eight credit hours and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students also must demonstrate some financial need, which will be determined by completing a FAFSA application.
The Raritan Valley Community College Nursing program offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing, which prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who wish to advance in their careers by becoming a Registered Nurse may enter the LPN-RN (PNAD) Degree option. The program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The courses of study for both options are designed as career programs, although graduates may wish to continue studies for a baccalaureate degree in nursing at a four-year institution. Articulation agreements which enhance the transfer process are in effect with numerous colleges and universities.
RVCC nursing graduates are employed at major healthcare facilities throughout the tri-state area.
Those seeking additional information about ways to support the college and the work of the RVCC Foundation, or for additional information about the scholarships, can contact Mike Marion, executive director, at 908-648-8567 or michael.marion@raritanval.edu, or visit the foundation’s website.
Photo Caption: (L-R) Sarah Caputo, Avery Schaefer, Tara Maher, Janet Nyambura, and Elicia Levandoski—all members of RVCC’s Nursing Class of 2023 and all recipients of the largest scholarship gift in the history of the RVCC nursing program—gather before the annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony, which was held in May. Photo courtesy of RVCC
About the Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation
The Somerset Hills Community Health Foundation (SHCHF) is a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ). SHCHF seeks to fund projects and programs that promote healthier individuals and communities in Morris and Somerset counties.
About the Community Foundation of New Jersey
The Community Foundation of New Jersey creates and scales custom solutions for purpose-driven individuals, families, and businesses. With $800 million in assets, the Community Foundation grants tens of millions of dollars each year through its more than 1,100 funds. In 2021, CFNJ granted more than $100 million to nonprofits in New Jersey and beyond.
About RVCC
Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training and professional development courses.
