Jada Long is no stranger to hard work, long drives, or big dreams. The second-term Upper Division student at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing grew up in a rural town of just 800 people—and always knew she wanted something more.
“I could not imagine a life where there were no corn fields!” Jada says. “But I also knew that one day I wanted to see what the world was like from a busy and blooming city.”
Before arriving at Goldfarb, Jada completed all the prerequisites at Southwestern Illinois College—driving 45 minutes each way from her home —and worked PRN for more than two years as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at a small rural hospital. “I loved my job. I met so many inspirational nurses, patients, and health care workers,” she recalls. “But I knew that my heart belonged working in the big city of St. Louis.”
She still can’t believe she gets to say this out loud: Jada is a BJC Full-Ride Scholar at one of the most prestigious nursing schools in the region—and she’s on track to graduate debt-free in August 2026.
New incoming applicants in the Upper Division or Accelerated BSN programs who are awarded the BJC Full-Ride Scholar program have 100% of qualifying tuition and fees covered after making a 3-year work commitment to BJC HealthCare. Repayment is required if the commitment is not honored. Since the program started in May 2022, there have been 267 BJC Full-Ride Scholars.
After applying to Goldfarb and meeting the criteria—GPA of 3.25 or higher and showing financial need—Jada applied for the program by simply answering two short essay questions. “I was so fortunate that I even had an opportunity to apply for the full-ride program,” she says.
The stats were in her favor—BJC HealthCare continues to invest in the nursing workforce with more full-ride scholars. BJC Full-Ride Scholar program manager Carrie Kollar, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, says the chance of being awarded a full-ride is “highly favorable for eligible applicants.” The number of award recipients changes each term but there could be as many as 60 each term.
Among current BJC Full-Ride Scholars:
- 38% worked for BJC before starting the program.
- 69% had prior health care experience, e.g. patient care tech (PCT), CNA, EMT and LPN.
At Goldfarb, Jada is thriving. She’s a peer tutor, a Goldfarb Guide, and a proud member of a nonprofit that encourages kids to get outside. “I come from an extremely rural background, so while being here at Goldfarb, I have learned so much about the people and their environment in this busy city!” she says. “I'm so grateful and blessed to have been able to receive the full-ride so that I can truly enjoy life and focus most on my studies.”
She hopes to use her education to bring compassionate care to communities like the one where she grew up—and to keep learning. “I cannot wait to see where this next year will bring me as a Goldfarb student and future BJC nurse!” Jada adds.
Written by: Kathy Randall
Sr. Strategist, Internal Comms.