The Vineyard Nursing Association has received a $2,800 grant from Our Island Club for its professional education program. Currently, funds from that program are helping Samantha Cron, LPN, become a registered nurse.

A native of Martha’s Vineyard, Ms. Cron obtained her LPN in 2009 through a program sponsored by Windemere Nursing and Rehab at Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School. She completed most of the schooling on-Island and spent 10 weeks off-Island to complete the clinical portion of the program. Through the VNA’s Professional Education Program, she is now a student with Excelsior College and hopes to have her R.N. in three years.

The VNA recognizes that there are few professional prospects for young people who want to stay on the Island.

“Our Island Club helps the VNA to make skilled opportunities like this available to Island residents,” said Bob Tonti, chief executive of the home health care agency.