Providing Comprehensive Nursing Scholarships to Grow a More Ethnically Diverse Workforce

Billi Odegaard’s legacy of compassion, innovation, and leadership continues to guide efforts to strengthen community health today. Inspired by her lifelong commitment to equity and nursing excellence, the Billi Odegaard Nursing Scholarship supports nurses and future leaders from underrepresented communities—honoring her vision of opportunity, education, and care for all.

Meet Billi Odegaard
Scholarship Overview

Better Health Starts With Care Delivered by Clinicians Who Reflect Our Communities

All Oregonians deserve care that works for them. Clinicians from ethnically diverse communities help make that possible:

  • Enhancing understanding: Meeting patients where they are

  • Building trust: Creating stronger connections with communities

  • Improving care: Providing thoughtful, personalized support

Learn more
Scholarship Overview The Billi Odegaard Scholarship Fund honors public health leader and registered nurse Billi Odegaard by supporting ethnically diverse students pursuing nursing careers. Students must first be accepted into the Clackamas Community College (CCC) Nursing Program to be eligible for this scholarship. Upon acceptance, scholars receive a full-ride scholarship—covering tuition, housing, books, and all fees—with continued funding to complete a BSN at Oregon Health & Sciences University. Scholars also receive guidance and mentorship from a dedicated board and volunteer healthcare professionals. Click here to learn more about the scholarship →

Recipients receive:

  • Full financial coverage at CCC and OHSU — including, but not limited to, living incidentals, family care, tutoring, and test taking.
  • Ongoing mentorship and professional development.
  • Access to the Billi Odegaard Alumni Network promoting equity in healthcare.
  • Must be accepted into the Clackamas Community College (CCC) Nursing Program to receive the scholarship.
  • Identify as part of an ethnically diverse group underrepresented in nursing.
  • Be an Oregon resident eligible for in-state tuition.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Submit an application, essay, and two recommendations.

1 Apply to the CCC Nursing Program and be accepted.
2 After being accepted by the CCC Nursing Program, attend CCC orientation, usually held in June of each year.
3 Learn more about the Billi Odegaard Scholarship and apply if the requirements are met.

Be Part of their Journey

  • 2025/2026 Scholarship Recipients

    Maryana Lazurko, Kalsang Choedhan, and Ellie Cao

  • 2024/2025 Scholarship Recipients

    Elza Hart, LaShonda Bradley, and Candace Pugh

  • 2023/2024 Scholarship Recipients

    Viviana Zurita, Daniel Peraza Garzon, Tania Mendoza

Join us in shaping the future of care. Your donation directly funds the tuition and essential living expenses of dedicated nursing students.
It is a privilege to be part of this mission, one that fosters a more compassionate, inclusive society, and one that I am proud to contribute to through my service and future work in the community. Kalsang C  ·  2025/2026 Recipient
This scholarship has given me the incredible opportunity to focus more on my education and has relieved a significant burden from my family, allowing me to concentrate on gaining the solid foundation I need to succeed in the nursing profession. Elza H  ·  2024/2025 Recipient
Nursing school has given me more than just an education; it has given me a purpose. It is shaping me into someone eager to care for patients with compassion, hope, and dignity. Candace P  ·  2024/2025 Recipient
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