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3 Steps to Finding a Scholarship & 5 Scholarships to Get You Started

1. Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association Promise of Nursing Scholarships

Amount: $2,500

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA) was created in 1969 to honor Frances Tompkins, the Association’s first Executive Director. Organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, the Foundation awards scholarships to qualified nursing students. These scholarships are available in selected regions of the U.S. Eligibility is determined by applicant’s school/college of nursing’s zip code. This program is supported by fund-raising events sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Funds for this scholarship are supported by contributors in selected regions. Find out more information here.

2. AAMN Foundation Scholarships for Men

Amount: $1,000

Scholarships Available: Varies

The American Assembly for Men in Nursing (AAMN) Foundation and the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future have partnered to offer this $1,000 scholarship program for male students pursuing professional nursing education programs. Established in 2004, these scholarships are intended to support male students who are seeking a pre-RN licensure or graduate degree in nursing. Applicants must submit an application with supporting documentation and already be enrolled at an accredited institution. Find out more information here.

3. Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC)

Amount: $9,000–$60,000 per year

Scholarships Available: 100

The Air Force nursing scholarship program helps you pursue a nursing degree to earn an Air Force commission through Air Force ROTC. Nursing Scholarships are offered for 1 to 4 years. Only high school seniors or graduates who have not attended college full-time may qualify for the 4-year nursing scholarship. Students in college may apply for the 1 to 3-year scholarship. The Type 1 scholarships pay full college tuition, most mandatory fees, plus a textbook allowance. The Type 2 scholarships pay the same benefits except tuition is capped at $15,000 per year. A third type of scholarship (called Type 7) offers full tuition, but the student must attend a school where the tuition is less than $9,000 annually. During the year, all Air Force ROTC cadets on scholarship receive a monthly nontaxable allowance (which varies freshmen to seniors). After you have completed all Air Force ROTC program requirements and your degree requirements, you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force Nurse Corps and serve 4 terms on active duty. Newly commissioned nurses will complete licensing requirements after graduation. Find out more information here.

4. CHANCES — Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Nursing Commitment to Employment and Study Program

Amount: $16,000

Scholarships Available: 1

The Children’s CHANCES scholarship provides tuition equivalent assistance for selected candidates interested in pursuing a career in pediatric nursing. Applicant must be accepted into a nursing program. Selected applicants will receive tuition equivalent assistance up to $16,000 per academic year, for up to two years. Upon graduation from nursing school, recipient will be committed to work as a Registered Nurse for Children’s for 18 months for each academic year of support received. Find out more information here.

5. Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Applicants can be in high school, college, or graduate students. There are no age limits, and you may study any major and attend or plan to attend any college or graduate school in the U.S. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States and complete the online application form. Find out more information here.

Click here to download a list of even more scholarships

Step 3. Apply for Lots of Scholarships — Don’t Be Shy

Finding scholarship programs can be a time-consuming process. Unfortunately, many students spend hours looking for a scholarship but fail to put an equal amount of effort into completing their application. The application is by far the most important part of your scholarship search; give it the time it deserves.

One last bit of advice: Double-check the scholarship requirements before you apply. After all, you want to be sure you are eligible before you apply. Write, call or e-mail the scholarship sponsor to ensure you have full details of application procedures and know what will be expected of the successful applicant. You can never have too much information!

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