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.
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
Scholarship Overview
The Billi Odegaard Scholarship Fund honors public health leader and registered nurse Billi Odegaard by supporting ethnically diverse students pursuing nursing careers.
The fund offers a full-ride scholarship—covering tuition, housing, books, and all fees—for students accepted into the Clackamas Community College (CCC) Nursing Program, 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.
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Recipients receive:
Full financial coverage at CCC and OHSU.
Ongoing mentorship and professional development.
Access to the Billi Odegaard Alumni Network promoting equity in healthcare.
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Identify as part of an ethnically diverse group underrepresented in nursing.
Be Oregon residents eligible for in-state tuition.
Have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be ready to apply to CCC’s Nursing Program.
Submit an application, essay, and two recommendations.
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Step 1: Apply to CCC Nursing Program and be accepted.
Step 2: After being accepted by the CCC Nursing Program, attend CCC orientation, usually held in June of each year.
Step 3: Learn more about the Billi Odegaard Scholarship and apply if the requirements are met.
Be Part of their Journey
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2025/2026 Scholarship Recipients
Maryana Lazurko, Kalsang Choedhan, and Ellie Cao
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2024/2025 Scholarship Recipients
Elza Hart, LaShonda Bradley, and Candace Pugh
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2023/2024 Scholarship Recipients
Viviana Zurita, Daniel Peraza Garzon, Tania Mendoza
