Alivia started in nursing school when she was 19 years old and working parttime as a Nursing Assistant at CHI St. Gabriel’s Health in Little Falls and Horizon Health in Pierz. A Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Drive for 5 funded initiative through Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) paid Alivia’s tuition and provided financial assistance to pay for school textbooks, scrubs tops and pants, nursing shoes, gas gift cards and a gas voucher while she was in spring semester of her final year of nursing school in 2025. She successfully earned her Associate of Science in Nursing at Central Lakes College, passed the exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and now works as an RN at St. Gabriel’s and Horizon Health.
Below is a letter of gratitude that Alivia wrote to the team at RMCEP as she graduated nursing school.
Dear RMCEP
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the grants and assistance I have received through your program to pursue my Registered Nurse (RN) education. Your support has been instrumental in helping me focus on my studies and reduce the financial burden that often comes with higher education.
This program has been truly amazing, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to dedicate more of my time and energy to my coursework and clinical experiences. The ability to work fewer hours while in school has allowed me to fully immerse myself in my studies, leading to a deeper understanding of nursing principles and practices. I am confident that this will make me a more competent and compassionate nurse in the future.
The team at RMCEP was incredible. They were always there for me when I had questions and always celebrated the wins. This program has really helped me and I find that it will help many others in the future.
Thank you once again for your generosity and commitment to supporting aspiring nurses like myself. Your belief in my potential has inspired me to work even harder and strive for excellence in my studies. I am excited to embark on my nursing career and make a positive impact on the lives of others, thanks to your invaluable support.
Sincerely,
Alivia
- Find out more about RMCEP, which serves 19 counties in the northwestern part of Minnesota
- Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you to learn about employment training opportunities in your area, there are more than 50 locations throughout Minnesota
