PHEAA and Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation Remind Applicants of
Fast-Approaching Deadline
Applications for Nursing Loan Forgiveness Due August 31

Harrisburg, PA - July 17, 2003 - The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation are reminding nursing students that August 31 is the deadline for submitting applications for the Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures program if the student has, or will have, graduated from nursing school during 2003.

The Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures program was developed in an effort to address the critical need for quality health care in Pennsylvania. The program helps nursing students repay their student loans through an innovative loan forgiveness program. By working for a participating Pennsylvania health care organization or health system after graduation, up to 25 percent or $12,500 of a nurse's qualified student loan debt can be forgiven over three years.

Eligibility requirements and additional information on this program can be found on the Futures In Nursing Website, www.futuresinnursing.org. The application is available in downloadable format from this site. Interested parties can also call 1-800-859-5442 to obtain an application.

The Futures In Nursing Website was designed to promote the diverse career paths available to today's nurses, encourage nurses to further their education and careers, and invite young students to enter the nursing profession. The site offers in-depth information on necessary skills, salary levels, career specialization, education requirements and available student aid.

Applications for consideration for the Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures program must be postmarked no later than August 31 for consideration.