RNs Beyond the Beltway Scholars Program

RNs Beyond the Beltway Scholars Program is sponsored by The George Washington University School of Nursing. A federally funded initiative supporting nurses from rural and non-metro communities with financial support, specialized advising, and priority placement in rural clinical sites.

RNs Beyond the Beltway Scholars Program | School of Nursing | The George Washington University RNs Beyond the Beltway Scholars Program The RNs Beyond the Beltway Scholars Program is a federally funded workforce initiative designed to prepare and support the next generation of nurses living and working in rural and non-metro communities.

Scholars receive targeted financial support, specialized advising, and priority placement in rural clinical sites to help them launch sustainable careers beyond the Beltway. We anticipate up to 15 awards in 2025-2026 . We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, evaluating your Statement of Purpose, your supplemental scholarship essay, letters of recommendation, and GPA.

Students who apply by and have their FAFSA completed by the final application deadline will be considered.

To be considered, applicants must: Complete the General Application for the Accelerated Bachelors of Nursing program Complete the Supplemental RNs Beyond the Beltway Scholarship Application Discuss their commitment to rural health and rural/non-metro communities in their supplemental scholarship essay Complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need Plan to live and work in a rural or non-metro setting after graduation Apply to and be admitted into an eligible GW Nursing pre-licensure track (e.g., ABSN, VBSN) Applicants who apply to their program by the final deadline will be considered The committee evaluates each application across the following domains: 1.

Commitment to Rural/Non-Metro Practice (Required) Evidence of past experience, lived experience, service, or clear career intent to practice in a rural or non-metro area after graduation. Determined through FAFSA data and any supplemental documentation. Prerequisite and science coursework Readiness for accelerated or rigorous nursing study 4.

Leadership, Perseverance & Character Experiences that demonstrate alignment with the mission of expanding the rural nursing workforce. 5. Letters of Recommendation Strength and specificity of recommendations regarding nursing potential, maturity, and alignment with rural workforce needs.

Applicants with the highest rubric scores will be recommended for selection. Final award determinations will be communicated by the Senior Financial Aid Officer. The RNs Beyond the Beltway timeline is aligned with GW Nursing admissions cycles, so students understand their financial landscape early.

Admission Considerations: Strong candidates typically: Have completed all prerequisite courses before the program start date Hold a minimum competitive GPA of 3.

0 or higher Articulate a clear, authentic interest in serving rural or underserved communities Preference will be given to students who: Come from rural or non-metro communities in partner states (e.g., WV, VA, MD), and/or Have prior experience or personal connection to rural community life, health systems, or workforce needs Selected scholars receive: Tuition support (Up to $30,000) Tailored academic and career advising Networking with rural health system partners Specialized Training: Provide students with opportunities to gain specialized acute and long-term care training within rural and non-metro areas of VA, MD, and/or W.

Va Scholars are expected to: Complete the required additional specialized training hours in rural acute and long-term care settings Complete a nursing elective in Rural Health Attend required seminars and lectures associated with RNs Beyond the Beltway and Rural Health Participate in a Scholars Orientation Friday, May 8th, 2026 More Information for Students & Applicants: Students interested in learning more about the program, including eligibility, funding, rural placements, and career pathways, are encouraged to connect with Faculty Lead, Ashley Darcy Mahoney, PhD, NNP adarcymahoney gwu [dot] edu ( adarcymahoney[at]gwu[dot]edu ) .

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided financial support for this project. The award provided 100% of total costs for a total of $733,356. The contents are those of the author.

They may not reflect the policies of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. Rural Health Transformation and the Role of Nurse Practitioners Professor Joyce Knestrick of GW Nursing examines how evolving models of care can support healthier rural communities in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners titled, “Rural Health Transformation Program: Implications for Nurse Practitioners ."