With $1.1 Million Grant, Fisher Aims to Improve Nursing through Diversity

As one of only eight grant awardees in New York State, the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher University aims to increase the pipeline of diverse nurses in the profession through its new Fisher Improves Nursing through Diversity (FIND) program.

FIND is being funded by a $1.1 million grant over three years—awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Nursing Workforce Diversity Program. This marks the fifth round of funding—totaling more than $5 million dollars—that the University has received since 2016 from HRSA. The grant was secured in collaboration with Fisher’s Office of Sponsored Programs and Foundation Relations.

The program’s first goal is to increase the number of underrepresented minority students in the nursing program through the FIND Student program and increase diversity within the School’s faculty. Students enrolled in the FIND program each year will receive an annual scholarship and support services to ensure academic success, well-being, retention, and graduation. FIND scholars will work with a student success facilitator within a peer-to-peer tutoring program and engage with alumni and Fisher nurses out in the field through a mentoring initiative. The program’s second goal is to create a culturally inclusive and supportive environment where students of all backgrounds can feel a sense of belonging and receive the support that they need to succeed.

Dr. Tricia Gatlin, dean of the School of Nursing and thought leader for this transformative work, will serve as the project director of this award.  

“This grant will allow us to make deep sustainable structural change that’s going to improve the lives of our students, our faculty, and the health outcomes of those in the Rochester area.  The School of Nursing has a mission of providing a strong nursing education that addresses the ever-changing health care needs and demands of our communities,” said Gatlin. “With the establishment of the FIND program, our mission will be furthered by creating a culturally inclusive environment for students and faculty of all backgrounds as we work to improve health care outcomes of underrepresented populations.”    

This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,122,507 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.