Scholarship Recipient Is ‘Extremely Grateful’ 

For nursing student Courtney Jacobsen, a scholarship from Benefis Foundation means breathing room.

It’s time to study and the chance to attend her daughter’s kindergarten graduation instead of picking up extra shifts. It’s less debt as she works to build a solid future for her family.

“I’m extremely grateful to the donors,” Courtney said. “This has helped so much with my schooling.”

Courtney is a single parent of two and works in the Benefis Dermatology Department, a specialty she loves, though she’s developed a growing interest in fertility, too, as working with those patients “makes my heart happy.”

Courtney’s road to nursing has been winding. She was overwhelmed by transitioning from a 28-person class at Fairfield High School to 200-person lecture halls in college. She didn’t thrive and paused her pursuit of nursing. Later, she found a better fit continuing her education in Great Falls.

“Nursing just speaks to me,” she said.

Courtney twice received the Jane M. Buckman Husted Nursing Scholarship to power her pursuit of a master’s in nursing to become a family nurse practitioner. She will graduate in December.

“Graduation is so close, and this scholarship has made a significant difference,” she said. “As I continue my nursing journey, I look forward to the impact I will have on my community. The education I’m receiving will help me serve with compassion and professionalism, making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Donors to Benefis Foundation’s scholarship program help medical students, nursing students, and others working toward healthcare careers achieve their dreams. Since 1998, 983 students have received scholarships from Benefis Foundation donors, tallying more than $2,128,350. You can invest in the next generation of nurses, therapists, and doctors at Benefis.org/Give.