The Will County HEROES Teaching & Nursing Scholarship at the University of St. Francis
Educating
Tomorrow’s Heroes
University of St. Francis
Amount Awarded: $2,500,000 | Project Status: Projected Completion Winter 2026
New and current USF teaching and nursing students are eligible to apply for up to $2,500 a semester (or $5,000 per academic year) of scholarship money toward their education. Since the scholarship was launched last year, 45 USF students have had their educational journey supported through approximately $200,000 in scholarship dollars (as of May 2024).
There are already over 6,000 USF graduates currently working in service-based professions including education and nursing in the tri-county area. A key goal of the program is supporting the longevity of this trend by incentivizing teaching and nursing graduates to grow their career in Will County. The program creates an active pipeline to employers throughout the county after students graduate, connecting them with a working environment that will foster positive career development.
Ascension St. Joseph and Silver Cross Hospital will act as the inaugural pipeline partners for nursing students. The Will County Center for Economic Development and Workforce Center of Will County will also support the development of career pipelines.
Student Testimonials
“The Will County HEROES Scholarship was introduced to me through an advisor at USF. It was a simple application that relieved me of a tremendous amount of financial stress. As a first-generation student, I was able to put a primary focus on my studies and pursue opportunities to help my future career. This would not have been possible without the help of this scholarship. I was able to give back to my community just as this scholarship did to me.”
Isabel Bolanos | USF Leach College of Nursing
“I heard about this opportunity through my advisor when I was first admitted to the university. By having some funds allocated to my schooling, I have been able to purchase many of the texts I need as an English educator, rather than rent them, which is something extremely beneficial and rewarding as a lover and instructor of literature. This scholarship is a great opportunity, and I strongly encourage anyone who thinks that they might qualify to seek it out!”
Tyson David Guseman |USF College of Education
A Word From Our Leadership
“The University of St. Francis is privileged to support this strategic and visionary investment by Will County to address the critical demand for teachers and nurses to meet our present and future needs. We are proud to join with our higher-education partners – at JJC, Lewis, and Governor’s State – in bringing this vision to reality in a way that will positively impact the county for years, if not decades, to come.”
Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D. | President, University of St. Francis
HEROES Scholarship
To learn more about and apply for the Will County Heroes Scholarship at USF, click below. Note that scholarship dollars will be available through fall 2026 or until funding is exhausted.
Education Programs
To learn more about pursuing licensure in Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Special Education and other College of Education programs at USF, click below.
Nursing Programs
To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and other Leach College of Nursing programs at USF, click below.