Kish College Foundation Secures $5,000 Grant for Nursing Textbooks

The Kishwaukee College Foundation has been awarded a grant of $5,000 from the 3M Site Hometown Donation program to support its Nursing Textbook Initiative. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on students enrolled in Kishwaukee College’s Nursing program, which faces higher costs for textbooks and class materials compared to other programs.

In spring 2025, Kishwaukee College will implement the “All-In” tuition model. This model encompasses all fees and textbook costs within the tuition price, aiming to provide greater financial predictability for students. To facilitate this model without imposing additional costs on Nursing students, the Foundation has committed to covering the increased expenses for fiscal 2026 and has created the Nursing Textbook Initiative for ongoing support.

“Our foundation is dedicated to ensuring our students have access to the resources necessary to achieve their educational and professional aspirations,” said Courtney Walz, director of development at Kishwaukee College. “We are grateful for 3M’s generosity in helping us launch this initiative.”

The significance of Kishwaukee College’s Nursing program extends beyond financial support. It plays a crucial role in preparing qualified professionals to meet the needs of the regional healthcare system. The program has consistently achieved impressive outcomes, with its graduates surpassing the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) pass rates. Additionally, 95% of graduates secure employment as registered nurses within six months of completing the program.

The 3M Site Hometown Donation program has a robust history of supporting nonprofit organizations, contributing over $70.1 million in total funding. This latest grant not only reflects 3M’s commitment to community support but also emphasizes the importance of educational initiatives in fostering a skilled workforce in the healthcare sector.

As the Kishwaukee College Foundation moves forward with the Nursing Textbook Initiative, it aims to ensure that financial challenges do not hinder students from pursuing careers in nursing, thereby enriching the healthcare landscape for years to come.