Women & Infants Hospital Launches Nursing Scholarship Program

The new initiative aims to address Rhode Island's nursing shortage by providing student loan assistance to future nurses.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island has announced the launch of the Women & Infants Scholars Program, which will provide $45,000 in student loan repayment over three years to nursing students who commit to working at the hospital after graduation and becoming licensed nurses.

Why it matters

Rhode Island is facing a growing demand for nurses due to factors like workforce retirements and an aging population. This program aims to help address the nursing shortage by supporting and retaining new nursing talent in the state.

The details

Through the Women & Infants Scholars Program, eligible nursing students enrolled in accredited pre-licensure RN programs with a GPA of at least 2.3 can apply for the loan repayment assistance. Applicants will need to write a short essay, provide a personal video statement, and submit an unofficial transcript. In exchange, students who are selected for the program and go on to work at Women & Infants Hospital after graduating and becoming licensed nurses will receive $45,000 in loan repayment over three years.

  • The Women & Infants Scholars Program was announced on February 4, 2026.

The players

Women & Infants Hospital

A hospital in Providence, Rhode Island that provides specialized care for women and infants.

Scholars Network

An organization that partners with hospitals and healthcare systems to provide student loan assistance programs for future healthcare workers.

Kim Francis

The Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Women & Infants Hospital.

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What they’re saying

“At Women & Infants Hospital, developing the next generation of nursing leaders is one of our highest priorities. Through this program, we're able to support promising students, engage with them early in their education, and strengthen our workforce in ways that help ensure exceptional care for the patients and communities we serve.”

— Kim Francis, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer

“By supporting students early in their journey, we help shape confident, capable healthcare leaders of the future. This program reflects our belief in strong partnerships that empower learners while making a lasting impact on the communities we care for.”

— Kim Francis, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer

What’s next

The Women & Infants Scholars Program is now accepting applications from eligible nursing students. The hospital plans to select the first cohort of scholarship recipients in the coming months.

The takeaway

This innovative scholarship program demonstrates Women & Infants Hospital's commitment to addressing Rhode Island's nursing shortage by investing in the next generation of nurses and providing them with financial support to pursue their education and careers in the state.