Pursuing a dream of higher education in America has never required as much financial investment as it does today.

US News & World Report says that tuition and fees at both public and private colleges have risen substantially in the last two decades. In-state tuition costs for public college, adjusted for inflation, were 42% higher in 2024 than they were in 2005. Unadjusted for inflation, tuition is 112% higher.

For many, the high costs prevent people from pursuing the educational programs they dream about. At Christian Living Communities (CLC), thanks to amazing supporters like you, team members can get a helping hand with tuition through the Employee Scholarship program. Funded entirely through generous gifts from kind members of the CLC community, team members can access scholarship dollars to pursue their dreams.

In 2024, 17 CLC team members received $48,937 in tuition help thanks to those generous supporters. Ester, a Registered Nurse at Someren Glen, is one of the 2024 recipients of the Employee Scholarship Fund. “I am here because they made it possible for me to afford school. They made me realize my dream,” she said.

Esther started working at Someren Glen in April 2016 as a CNA. She dreamed of a higher mastery of nursing. Her journey to achieve that dream began that autumn when she enrolled in an LPN program, from which she graduated in 2019. By 2023, she had received an Associate Degree in Nursing and passed the required exam to become a licensed RN. By the end of 2024, she finished her requirements to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

At each stage of her journey, CLC supporters helped invest in Esther’s future through the Employee Scholarship Fund – all while she remained a full-time CLC team member. From CNA to RN, Esther has used her increased skills to continue supporting the residents who call Someren Glen home. “I enjoy working as an RN,” she said. “I enjoy being part of Christian Living Communities. My heart is full, my heart is grateful.”

From 2022 through 2024, more than $146,500 in scholarships have been awarded to CLC team members. It’s an investment that has paid dividends. Like Esther, most team members who received scholarships continue to work at CLC during and after their degree programs.

Jeff Tucker, CLC’s Vice President of Human Resources, is thrilled to see the CLC community investing in team members. “I love to see team members grow in their knowledge and skills and in their careers – to help them find their passion and pursue it,” he said. “It is really satisfying to see so many dedicated team members develop their talents and be able to enrich the lives of residents in new ways.”

71% of scholarships awarded in 2024 were for team members pursuing clinical degree programs. Even before they graduate, they learn skills that they say improve the quality of their care for the residents they support. One 2024 scholarship recipient from Holly Creek is pursuing a Master’s Degree to become a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She credits her coursework with improving her work: “I have been able to understand better and address our residents’ mental health needs, take a more holistic approach to challenges, and improve how I communicate,” she explained.

A gift to the Employee Scholarship Fund truly touches so many lives – the team member who can pursue their dreams, their families, and those who will benefit from their increased skills and training throughout their career. “I have seen myself grow in my nursing career and I couldn’t be more proud of myself,” said Esther. “Thank you for making this journey beautiful. I share my story so that someone else can follow suit and be a better version of themselves.”

You can make a difference and help team members grow.  Click here to explore ways you can support our mission.