LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On May 13, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced more than $20 million in training grants through the Arkansas Linking Industry to Growing Nurses (ALIGN) Program.
The Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) awarded funding to 19 Arkansas two-year and four-year colleges and universities to support the development of the nursing profession in the state.
“As Governor, one of my biggest priorities is preparing young Arkansans for the careers of the future. Healthcare and nursing is one of our primary areas of focus,” said Governor Sanders. “The 19 2- and 4-year colleges and universities receiving grants today train some of the best nurses in America. Each of them will help us build Arkansas’ next generation of healthcare professionals.”
Public and private post-secondary educational institutions in Arkansas providing LPN, RN, and BSN degrees were eligible for the ALIGN grant funding.
All applicants were required to provide a healthcare partner contribution with a two-to-one match by the state for each dollar contributed by the healthcare partner.
“Nurses play a critical role in delivering quality healthcare in our state. It is essential that we have qualified nursing professionals to meet Arkansans’ healthcare needs today and in the future,” said Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “Increasing educational opportunities and apprenticeships is vital for developing the nursing pipeline in Arkansas, and the ALIGN Program will provide funding to support the growth of our state’s nursing field.”
Funding for the ALIGN grants is possible thanks to the America Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Eligible funding usage includes:
- Professional upskilling
- Expanding nursing apprenticeship
- Increasing nurse educator recruitment and retention
- Expanding clinical rotations
- Increasing nursing program capacity
- Tuition reimbursement
- Equipment purchasing
- Stimulations centers
- Expansion of labs
All ALIGN award funding must be expended by December 31, 2026.