Newport Beach philanthropists George and Julia Argyros on Thursday announced a $7 million gift to Hoag Hospital to pay for continuing education for nurses.

The donation, which will be given over five years, will provide scholarships for nurses to improve their skills and take on expanded clinical roles, hospital officials said.

“George and I are privileged to support Hoag’s incredible team of nurses and give them the opportunity to achieve their educational goals and further their commitment to delivering outstanding care to their patients,” Julia Argyros said in a statement.

In 2013, the Argyros’ gave $2.5 million to Hoag for nursing education. In recent years the couple has contributed $5 million to UC Irvine's eye institute and $5 million for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County’s emergency department.