The West Virginia University School of Nursing has won a $600,000 grant, the largest in its history, to help address the state's shortage of nurses.

The gift announced Thursday creates the Helene Fuld Health Trust Scholarship Fund for Baccalaureate Nursing Students.

Dean Georgia Narsavage says too many promising students can't afford to complete a four-year program, and the new scholarship program will help them.

The school hopes to give about 20 scholarships to current students by next fall.

Narsavage says WVU's focus on gerontology and providing care for vulnerable populations in rural areas helped secure the grant.

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