July 10, 2003 - Two grant-funded programs at the Wayne State University College of Nursing aim to increase diversity among the nursing workforce.

A recently awarded $284,460 federal grant will allow the College to expand and strengthen a comprehensive support system for pre-nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The second program, a King-Chavez-Parks Select Student Support Initiative funded by the State of Michigan, provides pre-nursing students with a range of services to ensure their successful matriculation into nursing.

Together, the two programs will assist nearly 100 students annually complete required coursework in preparation of their nursing studies.

"Having such programs in place is critical to expanding the number of minority students who choose to become nurses," says Dean Barbara K. Redman of the College of Nursing.

Together the two programs will offer a bridge for students progressing through baccalaureate studies with pre-nursing students receiving academic advising, tutoring and study support groups, educational workshops and seminars as well as mentoring by professional nurses. Additional support, including financial aid, is then provided upon entering the nursing curriculum as sophomores and juniors. The College also encourages able students to enter the BSN to PhD program.

"Many students from disadvantaged backgrounds are first generation college students so having programs in place such as this allow them to have one point of contact to the numerous support systems available to college students. The programs also provide regular contact and encouragement from RNs, who can share their experiences with the students," says Associate Dean Stephen J. Cavanagh, principal investigator of the Nursing Workforce Diversity grant.