Erica Bary, an Austin resident, was announced as a recipient of a scholarship worth $1,000 from the Scott County Community Foundation. Bary is attending Galen College of Nursing, where she is pursuing her bachelor?s degree in nursing. The scholarship was made available to adult students and is made possible through the Education Matters Southern Indiana (EMSI) initiative. EMSI is a program of the community foundations in Scott, Clark, Floyd, Harrison and Washington counties and seeks to increase the educational attainment of adults with some form of post-secondary education but no degree or certification.
?Trying to balance career and school as an adult can be difficult, and even more so when a student has a family to care for as well,? said Scott County Community Foundation Executive Director Jaime Toppe. ?It is important for our community to help adult learners overcome obstacles that may prevent them from completing their educational goals. We are pleased that we are able to provide financial assistance to Erica as she pursues her goals of becoming a Registered Nurse.?
Erica is currently employed at Hampton Oaks as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She is attending college to better herself and set a good example for her daughters.
?Receiving this scholarship means that I will not have to spend as much time away from my daughters as much this year,? said Bary. ?I know that I have worked very hard for a very long time; and to receive this scholarship is a much needed blessing.? It will benefit my family tremendously and I cannot thank the Scott County Community Foundation and Education Matters Southern Indiana enough.?
If you are an adult hoping to return to school to complete your education, you may find resources with the Education Matters Southern Indiana initiative. Please visit www.EducationMattersSI.org or call (812) 625-7501.
