The Suncoast Nursing Action Coalition (SNAC) has awarded 33 scholarships totaling $125,000 to bolster the region’s nursing workforce. The annual scholarships are part of SNAC’s plan to increase the number of local nursing students earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), as well as working nurses advancing their education with BSN and graduate degrees.

Since it began awarding scholarships in 2016, SNAC has given $539,000 to 139 local nurses and nursing students (including those awarded today) accepted into accredited nursing programs in the Suncoast region. Many past recipients have already graduated with BSN degrees, creating a pipeline of highly prepared nurses opting to live and work on the Suncoast; 13 scholarships have been awarded to nurses pursuing doctoral degrees that will allow them to become professors and expand the capacity of area nursing schools.