PATH Grant for Healthcare Students

path

Interested in the health care field? The PATH (Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program) Grant offers training and aims 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 assistant, surgical technologist and more! Illinois needs high-skill workers like you. Black Hawk College can provide stipends for current health care students' tuition, books, equipment and living expenses through this generous state grant.

PATH purpose

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

Applications for scholarship funding for Fall 2023 are closed. We are evaluating applications and will re-open the application when we can start accepting them again. Thank you!

PATH programs at Black Hawk College

Associate Degree Nursing (AAS)
Associate in Applied Science EMS-Paramedic (AAS)
Nurse Assistant Training Program - CNA (Certificate)
Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Certificate
Health Information Management (AAS)
Medical Assisting Certificate
Medical Coding Specialist Certificate
Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS)
Practical Nursing Assistant - LPN (AAS)
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 health care pathway in Illinois, OR
  2. New, entering students on a nursing or health care 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 child care.
  • 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, you will not need to repay the grant. However, if you find yourself needing support during the program, please reach out to an advisor or instructor. There may be resources available to help so you don't have 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 materials paid for by the grant.

How do I get reimbursed for expenses already incurred?

Please keep documentation, invoices and applicable receipts and submit them via email to path@bhc.edu, or bring them to Gabriella Aguirre in person at the Quad-Cities Campus in Building 1, Room 268 (across the hall from the Registration and Bursar counter). Reimbursement for travel will be dispersed at our mileage rate, which is updated July 1 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 about things that may help you or your peers finish your courses, please send your ideas to the PATH Grant team at path@bhc.edu.

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 Grant 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.

Have more questions? Email us at path@bhc.edu or stop by Building 1, Room 268 at the Quad-Cities Campus and talk to Gabriella Aguirre.