The Catholic University of America School of Nursing has announced a four-year, $4 million grant from financier William Conway's Bedford Falls Foundation to provide four-year scholarships for qualified students with demonstrated financial need.

The William and Joanne Conway Nursing Scholars Program will encourage promising students to fill nursing jobs in the national capital region after graduation. In addition to providing for tuition, board, and books for students, the grant will be used to hire a faculty mentor who will work with Conway Scholars throughout their studies and support a review course to help prepare them for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. The school also will provide Conway Scholars with opportunities for clinical placements and summer internships in the District as a way to encourage them to pursue jobs in the area after they graduate.

"This very generous grant from William and Joanne Conway's foundation will affect the lives of thousands of patients," said Patricia McMullen, dean of nursing at the university. "The grant will significantly increase the number of students pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing degree. They will become readily employable professionals qualified to provide quality health care to patients, families, and communities over the course of their careers."