Catholic University Receives $4 Million for Nursing Scholarships

A charity is pledging $4 million to Catholic University's nursing school to fund scholarships for students pursuing nursing jobs in the D.C. area.

The university announced the gift Tuesday. It comes from the Bedford Falls Foundation Charitable Trust. The foundation was established by William E. Conway Jr., the co-chief executive of the Carlyle Group, and his wife, Joanne.

Catholic University will receive $1 million annual installments for four years. The William and Joanne Conway Nursing Scholars Program will help 18 undergraduates in financial need, covering tuition, books, room and board. It will also fund clinical and faculty mentors.

The university says graduates will be encouraged to fill nursing jobs nearby.

Nursing Dean Patricia McMullen says the grant will significantly increase the number of students pursuing nursing degrees.