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Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship Program
In March 2022, The University of Kansas Health System proudly became the first organization outside of Texas to partner with the Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship Program. Since the partnership began almost 12 months ago, we have been honored to award 23 of our employees with these life-changing scholarships. We thank you for the passion, trust and collaboration to impact the lives of these deserving health system employees who will help improve the world through nursing. And we're excited to share their stories with you.
By the numbers
Meet our RFTS graduate: Jensen Springer.
The Reach for the Stars Scholarship allowed me to focus on school as well as my newborn daughter, Madigan. I interviewed for the scholarship when my daughter was barely a month old. She just turned seven months old the day after Christmas. The last few months have been a whirlwind, but I am proud to say I obtained my ADN degree and had my nursing pinning on 12/21/2022.
Without the Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship Program, I wouldn't have been able to focus on school and bonding with my daughter. I have recently transitioned to the Nursing Associate II role on Heart Center 7, and plan to work there as an RN after I pass my NCLEX boards.
Thank you for allowing me to be a recipient of the RFTS Scholarship. I am truly grateful to have been given this opportunity to help pursue my dream of becoming a nurse.
– Jensen Springer, ADN
The RFTS difference at the health system
From nursing leadership
Your program believes in the impact of the nursing profession, and the invaluable effect nurses have on their patients and into their communities. The nurses at The University of Kansas Health System are shining examples of that belief in action as they "lead the way, merging science with compassion in delivering exceptional patient care." In fact, the health system believes so strongly in the impact and power of nurses that several members of our executive team started out in the nursing profession, including the president of our Kansas City division! So, we asked two of them to share their thoughts on the impact of the partnership with the Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship Program.
Tammy Peterman, MS, RN, FAAN, NEA-BC, President, Kansas City Division; Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer
We know the staff here at The University of Kansas Health System change the lives of our patients every day. The Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship Program allows the lives of 10 of our employees to be changed each semester by covering the costs of and related to nursing school. The ability to help take one less thing off the plates of these deserving individuals is life changing. And for that, we are so honored and grateful to partner with the Reach for the Stars Nursing Scholarship Program.
Rachel Pepper, Chief Nursing Officer, Kansas City Division
I’m so grateful for our relationship with the Reach for the Stars program. The impact these scholarships have on peoples’ lives at The University of Kansas Health System, as well as the profession of nursing, is so visionary and profound. I’ve found there is no greater joy than seeing a person’s life changed with the news that they get to be part of this generous and prestigious program. I’m excited for the journeys ahead of our Reach for the Stars recipients, and I can’t wait to see all they accomplish!