KEY WEST, FL, February 5, 2026— 17cÍøÒ³°æ (17cÍøÒ³°æ) is set to strengthen its nursing program and expand support for future nurses with a $100,000 contribution from Lower Keys Medical Center (LKMC) that unlocked matching funds through the state’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) grant. Through LINE, 17cÍøÒ³°æ is working to help address Florida’s critical nursing shortage by supporting nursing faculty, acquiring state-of-the art nursing simulation mannequins, and providing student scholarships to eligible students.

Established by the Florida Legislature in 2022, the LINE grant program is a competitive, matching grant that incentivizes partnerships between nursing education programs and healthcare providers to recruit faculty, expand program capacity, and graduate job-ready nurses in response to the growing nursing shortage in the state.

“Our strong relationship with 17cÍøÒ³°æ is vital to the development of future clinical leaders in the Lower Keys,” said Drew Bigby, Chief Executive Officer of Lower Keys Medical Center. “This donation helps to continue the education programs offered by the College. We are proud to have many 17cÍøÒ³°æ graduates providing quality care at LKMC and serving our community.”

LKMC, located adjacent to 17cÍøÒ³°æ’s Key West Campus, has served for decades as the primary clinical training site for 17cÍøÒ³°æ nursing students in the Lower Keys. Many graduates transition directly into full-time registered nurse positions at LKMC upon licensure.

“This partnership with Lower Keys Medical Center exemplifies the power of collaboration to address critical workforce needs,” said Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, 17cÍøÒ³°æ President.  “LKMC’s commitment is vital to the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals who will serve our island community for years to come."

The LINE grant funds will support student enrollment and faculty, while LKMC’s matching contribution will be used to provide scholarships to reduce financial barriers for eligible students in 17cÍøÒ³°æ’s Associate and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The LKMC scholarships are now open at and applications are due by March 8, 2026.

For more information about donating to the 17cÍøÒ³°æ Foundation to benefit 17cÍøÒ³°æ students and programs, contact Dr. Lana Gaspari, 17cÍøÒ³°æ Vice President of Advancement and 17cÍøÒ³°æ Foundation Executive Director, at 305-809-3214 or foundation@cfk.edu.

 

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