St. John’s Foundation announced it has received a $50,000 Challenge donation from Stockman Bank in support of the Nursing Apprentice Fellowship program to help address the growing demand for nurses to meet the health care needs of Montanans. Stockman will match donations up to a total of $50,000.  

The Stockman Challenge gift will help St. John’s Foundation meet its fundraising goal for the Apprentice Fellowship program, which makes it possible for students to pursue a career in nursing, receive on-the-job training, and graduate free from tuition debt. St. John’s President and CEO David Trost observes, “Many nursing students I meet struggle accepting tuition assistance that requires work commitments. Our apprenticeship offers a graduate the freedom to seek employment in the specialty of their choice.”

 “Even though Montana has 14 schools accredited by the Montana Board of Nursing, we continue to experience a shortage of nurses and certified nursing assistants in our state,” said Bill Coffee, CEO of Stockman Bank. “As Montana’s premier community bank, we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve.  We are honored to be a part of this Apprentice Fellowship program which will play a key role in supporting the need for health care professionals in our region, especially for our growing population of older Montanans.”

The Apprentice Fellowship program launched this fall with five students enrolled as nursing students at Miles Community College, Montana State University – Billings, and City College – Billings. “Miles Community College is so appreciative of our strong partnership with St. John’s. The Apprentice Fellowship Program is a wonderful opportunity offered to students who work to build their education and skills, ranging from Certified Nursing Aid to Licensed Practical or Registered Nurse. Miles Community College has an outstanding Associate of Nursing Science (ASN) Registered Nursing (RN) program, and our partnership with St. John’s has allowed our nursing students to gain valuable clinical experiences at St. John’s facilities,” said Rita Kratky, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Miles Community College.

 The Fellowship provides college tuition payment, along with health care clinical work experience at St. John’s United for exceptional students pursuing LPN, RN, and BSN degrees. Apprentice–Fellows are free to work anywhere after completion of their degree and will have no repayment requirements to St. John’s United.   

How to Donate

Donations for the Nursing Apprentice Fellowship program may be sent by mail to The St. John’s Foundation at 2429 Mission Way – Billings, Montana 59102. Or, gifting may be completed online – GIVING@STJOHNSUNITE.ORG.

Be sure to indicate that your gift is for the Nursing Apprentice Fellowship program.