The Oral Roberts University Anna Vaughn School of Nursing (AVSON) is working to reverse a disturbing trend of poor health in Oklahoma.

AVSON recently received a workforce diversity grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for $1.1 million over three years. The grant will help the school serve northeastern Oklahoma by recruiting minority and disadvantaged students who will work in these rural areas after graduation.

In 2007, Oklahoma was ranked number 47 in the nation in overall health by the United Health Foundation. "This grant will help us recruit young men and women from rural areas, train them as nurses, and send them back into their communities," said Dr. Kenda Jezek, dean of the school of nursing.

There will be eight $5,000 scholarships and 20 stipends of $300 per month up to $3,000 available for these students.

The students who receive these awards will be required to take part in programs designed to help them achieve success in their academic pursuits.

These activities include regular lunchtime seminars where students can learn to master life skills such as time management and study skills, Saturday academies where students will hear from minority professionals who are examples of the success they can achieve, and a summer academy that will acclimate these students to the university atmosphere and help them brush up on basic-level academics.

"We want to deliver quality education and stay on the cutting edge," said Jezek.

The school will also partner with the Northeastern Oklahoma Area Health Education Center to receive help and guidance in how to supply rural areas with nurses.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 20 August 2009 )