In 2019 the Hendricks Family Foundation made a commitment of $100,000 to support the Nancy B. Parker Nursing Scholars Program at Blackhawk Technical College (BTC). The Parker Scholars program was initiated by a $250,000 gift from the Parker Foundation with a goal of raising $1 million to support the program. The program targets high-achieving students in the BTC nursing program. First-year students can be eligible for a $1,000 maximum award with an opportunity for an additional $1,500 in year two.

The scholarship was initiated to help tackle challenging labor statistics; the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a total of 1.2 million nursing vacancies between the years of 2014 and 2022. These vacancies were projected to occur at that same time that the American population over the age of 65 was growing and with it, the need for skilled nursing care. Stress in the local labor market mirrored projected trends. Additionally, Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) cited low levels of minority enrollment in the local program.

The goals established for the Parker Scholars program included the following:

• A scholar completion rate of greater than 75% with 85% of those passing the national licensure exam within 6 months of completion.
• 90% of scholars will find employment within Rock or Green County with 75% retaining employment in the area after 5 years.
• Grow the number of minority students who enroll and complete the nursing program.

To date, the program is largely on track to meet these goals. Since inception the program has awarded more than $67,000 in scholarships to 56 nursing students. Seventy-six percent (76%) successfully completed the program and 83% of those passed the national licensing exam within 6 months of completion. An estimated 90% secured employment within Rock or Green Counties. The program still has work to do as it relates to Beloit-area and minority recruitment. BTC reports indicate that seven scholars were from Beloit. A total of 7.5% were minority
scholars.

Nursing is not only an in-demand occupation but is also a career opportunity that offers family-supporting compensation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a nurse in Rock County as of May 2022 was $81,000. In comparison, the median household income in the county (2021) was $66,383. As a career-path this offers a win for employers, for students and future nurses and their families, and for our entire community.