Student upward mobility: utilization of an educational support model.

Hampton University School of Nursing was funded by the Teagle Foundation in 1990 for four years and later expanded for an additional year to develop, implement and evaluate an innovative Individualized Educational Support Model for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) residing in Southeastern Virginia. Project staff assigned the Teagle Initiative developed a model program for LPNs seeking the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. The Teagle model offers opportunities for advanced placement through National League for Nursing Mobility Examinations, CLEP, ACT-PEP, and challenge examinations; tutoring by faculty and peers; counseling by project staff for academic and financial aid, and other concerns as needed; socialization with other project students and generic students; monthly stipends to assist with additional expenses incurred when the adult student returns to school and an alternative admissions criteria for the LPN who may not meet all aspects of the Hampton University admissions criteria.