Grant program encourages Russell Sage nursing students to work at local hospitals

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Albany Med Health System is partnering with Russell Sage College to try and improve staffing at local hospitals. The Russell Sage Nursing Career Start-Up grant program allows students who graduate with a bachelor's degree in nursing to apply for up to $9,000 in grants if they work at a local hospital.

Russell Sage said the grants can be used for any expense ranging from continuing education to buying a car. One student said it is a unique way to give back to nurses, who put others before themselves.

"You have to really care about people and your patients, and just in general, care about society," nursing student Layla Carnahan said. "There is so much more going on with people beyond what you are just seeing that day."

The grants will be given out in installments over a three-year period starting in Spring 2026. Students who graduate in December 2024 will be the first ones eligible.