Facing the challenges of being a non-traditional student and working full time, Brooke found herself in a tough spot financially. Although earning too much to qualify for FAFSA, her income still wasn’t enough to cover living expenses and school costs. That’s when she reached out to the NWWIB and applied for the Collaboration of Wisconsin Rural Investment in Community Healthcare (COW) program.
COW was designed for students like Brooke to help fund and complete their healthcare career goals. This crucial financial assistance helped bridge the gap, allowing Brooke to continue her education without compromising her livelihood. Her hard work and dedication paid off as she advanced through various roles at Tamarack Health in Ashland—from medical assistant and phlebotomist to nurse tech, licensed practical nurse (LPN), and finally, registered nurse (RN) working in the Emergency Room.
Brooke’s journey is a testament to perseverance, showing how the right support can empower students balancing work, life, and education to achieve their career goals and make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
