The University of Louisville School of Nursing has received a boost in its efforts to bring better health care access to medically underserved areas of the state.

The university announced today it was awarded six and a half million dollars in federal grants to support recruitment and retention of nursing professionals.

More than $4 million will go toward an accelerated licensed practical nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pathway.

It will support scholarships for up to 83 students to pursue a Bachelor of Science a nursing degree.

The other $2 million will go toward increasing the number and the diversity of nurse practitioners.

As a community of care.

U of L fosters that service mindset in the classroom and community that empowers our students to make a difference.

As an institution committed to diversity and inclusion.

These grants will enable more students from under represented and disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed in the nursing profession.

Grant recipients will participate in an emerging clinical experience working with rural or urban vulnerable populations.

This immersion experience will provide NPS students with new experiential learning opportunity in cities that will prepare them to address health inequities.

Right here in the city of Louisville and across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The two federal grants were awarded through the Health, Resources and Services Administration.