Provides education opportunities to students who wish to upgrade their nursing degree and address Mississippi's nursing shortage by providing a constant source of qualified nurses. NELR awards will be made available, to the extent of appropriated funds, to persons seeking a bachelor's degree in nursing at one Mississippi institution of higher learning in exchange for employment in professional nursing in the State of Mississippi up to $4,000 per year academic year not to exceed two (2) calendar years or $8,000. Those pursuing the NELR program part-time are eligible to receive a maximum of $8,000 prorated over three (3) calendar years.