DETROIT – The banner says, "School of Nursing, Oakland University," but it's right in the middle of Detroit at Focus Hope.
The program's goal is to get people on their feet or back on their feet, helping those who are homeless, unemployed or underemployed into nursing careers.
OU's School of Nursing at Focus Hope has $800,000 in grant money earmarked for full tuition for qualified applicants.
"Detroit is one of the leading cities in the United States with third-generation poverty," said Brad Atchison, of Volunteers of America. "Because of that, we targeted Detroit so we can help these families really not just get out of homelessness and get a nice job, but actually to work a career ladder so that in future generations, their kids and grandkids don't have to deal with this situation as well."
But finding applicants has been a problem.
The program is searching for people who might be in shelters, standing in food lines or just down on their luck and have an aptitude to help others. The nursing school went to where the people are, looking for a few who might qualify and be interested in going to nursing school for free.
In front of COTS, a single mother working as a nurse's assistant heard the commotion and wandered outside. What she heard was just what the doctor ordered.
"I love caring for people that need help," Crystal Jordan said.
Jordan said paying college tuition wasn't an option because she has four kids under 12 years old and the money she makes goes toward bills, food and her kids' school supplies.
The program can fund as many as 50 students. Ashley Banks is just one example of someone who had a dream of being a nurse, but tuition was out of reach. Now she's in school this summer and graduates in January.
"It's heartwarming because you're learning different things to change peoples' lives," Banks said. "It's also life-changing because you have to alter your way of living to better yourself."
Banks said she's 64 credits toward being a registered nurse. When she completes her nursing education, she will be highly employable and debt-free.
There are some basic qualifications needed to get to the interview phase of the program. Interested candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, pass a drug screen and qualify for some form of federal assistance. Students are needed before the end of September so the money doesn't go away.