PATH Grant for Healthcare Students

pathInterested in the health care field? The PATH program offers tuition-free training, aiming to expand opportunities in health science programs, address workforce shortages, and support career advancement.

Be part of the solution and become a nurse, EMT paramedic, physical therapist, or more! Illinois needs high-skill workers like you. BHC provides stipends for healthcare students' tuition, books, equipment, and living expenses through a generous state grant. Improve local healthcare by joining PATH today.

PATH Purpose

The purpose of this grant program is to create, support, and expand the opportunities of individuals in the nursing pathway and select healthcare pathways to obtain credentials and degrees to enter and/or advance their careers in the healthcare industry. Additionally, this program aims to address the shortage of workers in the healthcare industry that has been exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic.

Apply for Path Grant

PATH Programs at Black Hawk College

Associate Degree Nursing (AAS)
Associate in Applied Science EMS-Paramedic (AAS)
Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (Certificate)
Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Certificate
Health Information Management (AAS)
Medical Assisting Certificate
Medical Coding Specialist Certificate
Patient Care Assistant Certificate
Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS)
Practical Nursing Certificate
Surgical Technology (AAS)

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Incumbent workers who are already in the workforce looking to continue their education and advance their careers in the nursing or healthcare pathway in Illinois, OR
  2. New, entering students on a nursing or healthcare pathway with an identified need for support, OR
  3. First generation, or low-income, or minority students – or a combination of the above categories, AND
  4. Enrolled in one of the Black Hawk College programs listed above.

Eligible Requests:

  • Course materials (books, lab fees, testing fees, test preparation, required attire, etc.)
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Background checks for clinical sites
  • Emergency funds for additional support such as food, housing, transportation, and/or childcare.
  • Tuition

Note: This is not an all-inclusive list of eligible requests. If there is a request you have that is not on this list, please contact our team at path@bhc.edu to inquire about its eligibility

What happens if I need to drop a class that the funding paid for?

If you were in a qualified program at the time, there will be no need to repay the grant. However, if you find yourself in need of support throughout the program, please reach out to an advisor or instructor to see if there are further ways we can help prevent you having to drop a class.

Am I able to keep my textbooks and testing materials after the class is over, or do I have to return them?

Yes, you will be able to keep all of the materials that the grant has paid for.

How do I get reimbursed for expenses already incurred?

Please keep documentation, invoices, and applicable receipts, and turn them in via email to path@bhc.edu, or bring them to Gabriella Aguirre in person in Q1-268, in Building One right across from Registration. Reimbursement for travel will be dispersed at our mileage rate, which is updated July 1st of each year. Please keep track of the distance you drive.

Where is this funding coming from?

This funding is coming from the State of Illinois.

Will this funding run out?

There is a time limit on the College’s use of these funds, and we are not guaranteed to receive this grant each year. If you have ideas on things that may help you or your peers finish your courses, please send these to one of our Path Grant team members at path@bhc.edu, so we can review these ideas.

How do I prove low-income status for eligibility for this grant?

Students may be able to demonstrate financial need through a variety of ways. Federal Pell eligibility is one way an institution may determine financial need of a student. Other ways of determining financial need may be through documentation of public benefits (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid).

Does applying for funds guarantee that I will be approved for the grant?

All applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Awards are granted after careful review by a committee. Application submission does not guarantee an award.

Further questions? Please email us at path@bhc.edu or you may also stop by and share your questions with Gabriella Aguirre in Building 1, Room 268.