Kishwaukee College Foundation Secures $5,000 Grant for Nursing Initiative

The Kishwaukee College Foundation has received a $5,000 grant from the 3M Site Hometown Donation program to support its Nursing Textbook Initiative. This initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to students in the college’s Nursing program, who typically face higher textbook and class material costs compared to their peers in other programs.

Nursing Textbook Initiative Details

Launched in response to the new “All-In” tuition model introduced in spring 2025, the Nursing Textbook Initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens on nursing students. Under this model, Kishwaukee College integrates all fees and textbook expenses into a single tuition price. To maintain affordability for nursing students, the Foundation has committed to covering the additional costs associated with textbooks for fiscal 2026.

Courtney Walz, the director of development for the Kishwaukee College Foundation, emphasized the organization’s dedication to supporting its students. “The foundation is committed to ensuring our students have the resources they need to complete their educational and professional goals,” she stated. “We are thankful for 3M’s generosity to help kick off this initiative.”

Impact on Nursing Students and the Community

The Nursing program at Kishwaukee College plays a crucial role in preparing qualified professionals for the regional healthcare system. The program has consistently demonstrated high success rates, with graduates exceeding the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) pass rates. Notably, 95% of program graduates secure employment as registered nurses within six months of completing their studies.

The 3M Site Hometown Donation program has a strong track record, having contributed over $70.1 million to nonprofit organizations. The support from 3M is instrumental in ensuring that students in Kishwaukee College’s Nursing program receive the necessary resources to thrive academically and professionally.

The funding from the grant is expected to enhance the educational experience for nursing students, allowing them to focus on their studies without the added stress of high textbook costs. This initiative underscores the collaboration between educational institutions and corporate partners to foster a skilled workforce in the healthcare sector.