Nursing Awards & Scholarships
For Students at West Chester University Only

The Brandywine Health Foundation seeks to address the critical shortage of nurses by encouraging Chester County residents to enter the field of nursing by providing scholarship funds, and recognizing those students who excel academically. To that end, one nursing scholarship fund is reserved on a competitive basis for students studying at West Chester University. Information about the application process, criteria and deadlines are below.

Awarded in May to Students Completing 6th Semester of Study (Spring of Junior Year):

The Ethel Charlton Award of $1,500 is provided by the family of Ethel Charlton in her memory. Ethel was a 1930 graduate of the Coatesville (Brandywine) School of Nursing. In addition to meeting the generic award criteria, the student demonstrates devotion to nursing, concern for others and has financial need.

Criteria:

1. The student has a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
   
2. The student demonstrates consistent exemplary clinical performance in the care of clients for the respective award in a specified area (see below).
   
3. The student is self-directed in seeking further learning opportunities in this specialty.
   
4. The student develops and maintains rapport with members of the health team so that communication is constructive and effective.
5. Preference is given to students living in the greater Coatesville area.

Process:

• Interested students may submit a letter of application by April 1st indicating why they should receive consideration for the scholarship to the attention of Frances M. Sheehan, President and CEO, Brandywine Health Foundation, 50 S. 1st Avenue, Coatesville, PA 19320. Nursing school transcripts are required and letters of support are encouraged.
• A student may receive more than one award, and awards should not be given if no one particular student qualifies.
  
• The student receiving the scholarship at a May breakfast reception has his/her tuition credited upon the Foundation’s submission of scholarship funds to West Chester University’s School of Nursing.

Awarded in December to 7th Semester Students (Fall of Senior Year):

Cardiac Rehab Scholarships
(Two-Four $1,000 scholarships)

The Cardiac Rehab Scholarship was established in 1993 by Roger Brown, Bill Keen and Louise DePedro, former patients at the Cardiac Rehab facility at Brandywine Hospital, in honor of the caring and concern demonstrated by the cardiac rehab nursing staff. Since then, existing and former patients at the Cardiac Rehab facility are asked to contribute to this fund in lieu of holiday gifts for the staff, so that nursing students can continue their studies regardless of economic circumstance.

The generosity of many current and former patients enables the foundation to award two to four $1,000 scholarships at the Cardiac Rehab facility’s Holiday Party each December. Also awarded at the Holiday Party is the Marie Rooney Nursing Scholarship ($500) for students at either Immaculata or West Chester University’s Nursing Schools.

Application Process and Criteria:

Students interested in applying for the Cardiac Rehab Nursing Scholarship should submit a one to two page letter by November 1st, including their name, address and phone number. This letter should address the following criteria.

1. Academic Excellence – The student should have at least a 3.0 GPA, and should show evidence of being self-directed in seeking further learning opportunities.
   
2. Clinical Competence – The student demonstrates consistent exceptional clinical performance in the care of clients.
   
3. Communication Skills – The student develops and maintains rapport with members of the health team so that communication is constructive and effective.
4. Caring and Concern – The student shows consistent evidence of sensitivity to the needs of his/her patients.
   
5. Financial Need – The student should show why he/she is in need of the full amount being awarded, after all eligible grants have been exhausted.
6. Preference is given to students living in the greater Coatesville area.

Attached to the application letter should be the student’s transcript, clinical evaluations, and letters of support. Please send all materials to the attention of: Frances M. Sheehan, President and CEO, Brandywine Health Foundation, 50 South First Avenue, Coatesville, PA 19320.