Fully funded for 3 years, the grant project, titled Crossing Borders: Making Connections, is designed to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities who are underrepresented among registered nurses; thus, the SON will admit 10 additional students each fall for the next 3 years. The title, Crossing Borders, reflects the reality of borders that students constantly cross related to culture, expectations, family and school. When crossing borders, students may face barriers that can impede their academic success. Crossing Borders project will provide a consistent yet individualized academic support program, called E3: Enhance, Empower, Engage, and a combination of stipends and scholarships to decrease potential academic and financial barriers.