Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship Program

The Mark & Robyn Jones College of Nursing is proud to partner with the Bedford Falls Foundation through the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship Program.

This transformative investment helps expand access to nursing education for Montana students by providing need-based scholarship support and additional resources that promote student success.

Students selected for this scholarship are recognized as Conway Scholars and become part of a growing community of nursing students and graduates at institutions across the country who share a commitment to serving their communities through nursing.

About the Bedford Falls Foundation

The Bedford Falls Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to removing financial barriers to nursing education and supporting nursing schools in addressing the nation's critical nursing workforce shortage.

The Foundation partners with nursing schools across the United States to help students pursue nursing careers with less financial burden. The Foundation seeks to create pathways for more students to enter the nursing profession and serve their communities.

The Bedford Falls Foundation was named after the fictional town of Bedford Falls from the classic film It's a Wonderful Life, reflecting a belief in the impact that individuals can have on the lives of others and on their communities.

What It Means to Be a Conway Scholar

Being named a Conway Scholar is more than receiving a scholarship.As members of a national network of Conway Scholars, recipients join a community of future nurses who share a commitment to service, compassion, and improving health outcomes in their communities.

Conway Scholars are nursing students who have demonstrated both financial need and the determination to pursue a career dedicated to caring for others. The scholarship helps reduce financial barriers that can stand between students and their goal of becoming registered nurses.

At Montana State University, Conway Scholars are helping build the future nursing workforce for Montana and beyond. By reducing educational costs and student debt, the program allows students to focus more fully on their education, clinical experiences, and preparation for professional practice.

Impact at Montana State University

Through a five-year, $2.5 million commitment from the Bedford Falls Foundation, the Mark & Robyn Jones College of Nursing is expanding opportunities for Montana-resident nursing students.

The investment supports:

  • Need-based scholarships for eligible traditional BSN students who are Montana residents
  • Student success initiatives designed to promote academic achievement and graduation
  • Efforts that help prepare more highly qualified nurses to serve Montana communities

This partnership reflects a shared commitment between the Bedford Falls Foundation and Montana State University to increase access to nursing education, strengthen the nursing workforce, and improve healthcare throughout the state.

 

“Nurses are essential to our nation’s health. When we help schools support students who want to get a nursing degree, we enable them to support themselves, their families, and ultimately the rest of us.”

Bill Conway Jr.