Will County Heroes Nursing and Teaching Scholarship (ARPA Grant)

$10 million of Will County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding will be used to “prime the pipeline” for students pursuing healthcare or education, who live in Will County, and expect to work at a Will County education or healthcare institution, respectively, after graduation. This opportunity is called the Will County Heroes Nursing & Teaching Scholarship.

Will County awarded four higher education partners – Governors State University, University of St. Francis, Lewis University, and Joliet Junior College – funds to generate a pathway for enrollment, education, and employment. Each institution received $2,500,000.  This Monetary Award Program – like (MAP) approach – awards participants $2,500 per semester, or $5,000 per academic year, in college tuition and fees as an education and employment incentive for professionals to stay and work in Will County. Both Lewis University and Governors State University shared some of their funding with JJC to ensure dollars were used to assist as many students as possible. 

Over the lifetime of this grant, JJC administered more than $3,800,000 to more than 1,200 unduplicated JJC students to cover tuition and fees. JJC has appreciated the partnership with Lewis University and Governors State University, as well as the opportunity to provide financial assistance to so many students as they pursued nursing, allied health, teaching, or early childcare programs. 

Please note: This scholarship opportunity has ended effective December 18, 2025. All grant dollars have been disbursed to students.

As you think through your financial planning for your remaining semesters, you are strongly encouraged to consider the following:

• Financial Aid assistance: Visit Financial Aid to access the FAFSA, request a Financial Aid appointment, and receive FAFSA assistance.
• Scholarship assistance: Visit Scholarships to read about scholarship opportunities, learn how to apply for scholarships, and complete your scholarship applications.