MSN in Nursing Leadership

AACN – NurseThink® Scholarship

First Funding Cycle Deadline: July 15, 2025

Second Funding Cycle Deadline: January 31, 2026

Award Amount: $5,000 twice a year through 2026

The NurseThink® – AACN Scholarship supports students enrolled in master’s and doctoral nursing programs at AACN member institutions who have a desire to become future nurse faculty. The scholarship is open to all students who are members of the Graduate Nursing Student Academy.

To apply, students must complete an online application, provide demographic information and details on their academic achievement, and submit a short essay outlining their plans to teach after graduation.

Note: must be currently enrolled in a nursing program to be eligible

If you have any questions, please contact Foundation Coordinator, Alexa Betances at [email protected].

Annual Prevounce Preventive Health Scholarship Program

Deadline: October 17, 2025

Award Amount: $3,000

The scholarship program at Prevounce is competitive and is based on leadership, academics, and achievements. Only attendees of U.S.-based educational institutions are eligible for these scholarships, and all funds will be disbursed directly to the institution.

One scholarship valued at $3,000 will be awarded to a graduate student pursuing a career in medicine, nursing, and/or public health.

Graduate Eligibility Requirements

• Must be pursuing a career in medicine, nursing, and/or public health
• Must be entering or already established in an accredited U.S.-based graduate program in Fall 2025

Application Requirements

• Completed application
• Completed essay question
• Transcript(s) (official or unofficial in PDF format)
• Copy of resume (PDF format)

Scholarship Essay Requirements

• Must not exceed 650 words
• Must be typed and double-spaced
• Must be responsive to the topic. Do not reuse non-responsive admissions essays
• Graduate Essay Topic: Please discuss how your study will contribute to your short- and long-term career plans with an emphasis on how you hope to impact the future of preventive health.

If you have any questions, email [email protected]

Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL) Scholarship

Deadline: October 17, 2025

ACNL awards scholarships to support registered nurses in expanding their leadership acumen through advanced study, pursuing higher degrees to meet community or organizational needs, and advancing nursing knowledge through research conduct and dissemination. ACNL membership is required to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a member of ACNL
• Be a Registered Nurse (RN) with proof
• Be an RN enrolled at least half-time in a course of study (RN to BSN, MSN, MBA, MPH, DNSc, DNP, PhD)
• Previous ACNL scholarship recipients are not eligible

Application Requirements

• A copy of an active RN license (any state)
• School transcripts with evidence of a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher or a PASS grade in a competency-based academic system.
• A personal statement (not to exceed 500 words). Must address applicant’s unique contribution to the profession in the process of pursuing a higher degree, including the need for financial assistance. Statements may include examples of volunteer or community involvement, certifications, or other examples of excellence.
• Two letters of recommendation, one from a supervisor and another from a professor at school. The letters must address the following qualities of the applicant: Vision, collaboration, risk-taking, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership ability.

Dion Family Scholarship (Sigma Scholarships)

Applications Open: January 1, 2026

Award Amount: $5,000

The scholarship is for baccalaureate-prepared nurses enrolled in an accredited program pursuing an advanced degree in nursing informatics or gerontological nursing. Funding is up to $5,000 annually.

Application Requirements

• Current transcripts (if already enrolled) or proof of acceptance for the academic year that the scholarship is to be used from an accredited school of nursing. 
• Essay
• At least two letters of support
• Bio sketch or CV
  • Nursing degree applicants must submit an NIH Formatted Biosketch.
  • Non-nursing degree applicants must submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae).

Millie Vancio Professional Nursing Scholarship

Deadline: May 23, 2025

Award Amount: $1,000

Knowing how challenging it can be to work a full-time schedule and participate in a degree program, Millie established the Millie Vancio Professional Nursing Scholarship fund to assist nurses in their pursuit of either a BSN or Master’s degree (MSN or MA) within the field of Nursing or healthcare. This is her way of offering support and saying “Thank you” to working nurses who continue to enhance the profession of Nursing.

Eligibility Requirements:

• San Diego County residents who have obtained a diploma or an Associate Degree in Nursing
• Applicants who plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, or Master of Arts in a healthcare-related field (i.e. healthcare administration) at a San Diego-based institution
• Students currently enrolled in school must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Have demonstrated work experience as a Registered Nurse
• United States citizens or permanent residents

Recipients will be asked to submit a copy of their Registered Nursing license as verification of working as a registered nurse and prior to receiving the scholarship.

This scholarship may be used for tuition, books, fees, room & board, and other educational expenses.

Average number of awards: 2

Average amount of award: $1,000

For more information or to obtain a copy of the application and guidelines, contact the San Diego Foundation at [email protected].

National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Scholarship

Deadline: June 10, 2025

Award Amount: Start at $1,000

NBNA is committed to excellence in education and conducts continuing education programs for nurses and allied health professionals throughout the year. The association provides annual scholarships for students. Scholarships provide funding for continuing education. This funding enables nurses to grow and better contribute their talents to the health and healthcare of our communities.

The National Black Nurses Association offers scholarships to students at all levels (LPN to Doctorate). You must be an NBNA member to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a member of NBNA and a member of a local chapter (if one exists in your area). If a chapter does not exist within a 50-mile radius of your location, you may join NBNA as a Direct Member.
• Candidate must be currently enrolled in a nursing program (LPN/LVN, ADN, RN-BSN, Generic BSN, Master’s, Doctorate) and in good scholastic standing at the time of application.
• Applicant must have at least one full year of school remaining.

Application Requirements

• Official Transcript(s) from an accredited School of Nursing
• Two-page / 500-word maximum Personal Statement / Essay
• Two letters of recommendation
  • One from a Dean or Faculty member (must include enrollment and expected date of graduation)
  • One from the Chapter President/Vice President (validating the application information is correct)
• A copy of your current resume or CV (5-page maximum)
• Letter from the Registrar verifying enrollment and expected graduation date
• A clean/clear professional headshot
• Additional Supporting Items
  •  Participation in student nurse activities, and involvement in the African American community, i.e., letters, news clippings, awards, certificates
  • Evidence of being engaged and involved in the local chapter and/or the National Black Nurses Association activities and programs

Nurses’ Education Fund (NEF) Scholarship

Deadline: February 2, 2026 (opens October 1, 2025)

NEF’s purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate-level (master’s or doctoral) nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, single, private, professionally endorsed sources of funds for advanced nursing study, with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing.

Eligibility Requirements

• Current RN license/registration with current expiration date, from any state within the USA
• Current national professional nursing association membership with a current expiration date – such as the American Nurses Association, or specialty organization and/or evidence of international honor society membership (Sigma Theta Tau International). You will be asked to upload a copy of your membership card.
• Proof of current citizenship or legal residency status
• Completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing (or the equivalent requirement if enrolled in an “entry” level Master’s program).
• Enrolled either full or part-time in a professionally accredited nursing program
• Completed at least 12 graded credits (pass/fail & satisfactory credits are not counted) of the master’s program at the time the application is submitted.
• Maintained a minimum GPA of 3.6.

Application Requirements

• Three letters of recommendation
  • One reference to attest to your academic performance and achievements
  • One reference to attest to your employment performance and achievements
  • One reference who can attest to your professional achievements as a nurse leader
• Personal Essay and Goal Statement
  • The suggested length of the essay is 750 to 850 words. Your essay should state your professional goals and assess your potential for making a contribution to the nursing profession.
• Official transcripts from your current graduate program

Should you have any questions or concerns about the application process, contact the NEF Office at [email protected] for assistance.

Oncology Nurse Society (ONS) Master’s Scholarships

Deadline: February 1, 2026 (opens September 15, 2025)

Award Amount: $5,000

To provide scholarships to registered nurses committed to oncology nursing and pursuing a master’s degree in a relevant field.

Application Requirements

• The applicant must be currently enrolled in, accepted to, or have applied to a master’s degree program at an accredited institution in the 2026-2027 academic year (starting fall 2026).
• The candidate must be in good academic standing.
• The candidate must be a registered nurse.
• The candidate must have a commitment to oncology.
• The candidate must provide a letter of reference from the current work supervisor or academic advisor on organizational letterhead, signed by the individual providing the recommendation.
• Agree to participate in a post-graduation survey.
• Response to essay question (details available on ONS site)

Email [email protected] with any questions.

Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego County Annual Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2024

The Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego County, Inc. (PNASD) is offering scholarship awards to students currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must complete the scholarship application.
• Must be a first-time recipient of an award from PNASD.
• Must be enrolled or have been accepted into an accredited nursing program for the fall semester of 2024 and provide proof of enrollment.
• Must demonstrate a cumulative minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50.
• Must be a resident of Imperial County, North County, or San Diego County of California. 
• Must be a current active member of PNASD for at least 3 months at the time of application. 
• Must be present to receive the Certificate of Scholarship Award at the 2024 PNASD Induction of Officers, Scholarship Awards and the Nurse Excellence Awards.

Application Requirements

• A copy of your transcript or a letter of acceptance into the program if the applicant has not started attending the program until the semester following the awarding of the scholarship. (Note: A full transcript of coursework from the undergraduate program is required if the student is just beginning as a graduate student at the time of application).
• Must provide two letters of recommendation- one from a faculty member in the nursing program where the student is enrolled and one from an employer or person who has known the applicant for over 5 years (excludes relatives).
• Verification of 20 hours of community involvement (A letter from the organization verifying volunteer community activities, certificate of participation or recognition, and time sheets are all acceptable)
• Essay (300 words) on the topic of “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Future of Nursing.”

San Diego National Association of Hispanic Nurses (SDNAHN) Local Scholarship

Deadline: September 1, 2025

The San Diego National Association of Hispanic Nurses (SDNAHN) is committed to supporting the next generation of nurses in San Diego County. Our scholarship program provides financial assistance to nursing students who align with our mission to advance healthcare and education in our community.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be enrolled or accepted into a Vocational Nursing (VN), Registered Nursing (RN) Associate, Baccalaureate, Graduate, or Post-Graduate degree program in San Diego County. (San Diego County residents enrolled in an online or out-of-state nursing program are also eligible.)
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last year and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (must provide unofficial transcripts).
• Be a current SDNAHN member in good standing.
• Participate in at least two SDNAHN events:
  • One general membership or board meeting
  • One SDNAHN volunteer event during the application period
• Submit one letter of recommendation from an employer or school representative.
• Scholarship recipients must attend the 2025 Scholarship Gala to receive their award.

Required Documents

• SDNAHN 2025 Scholarship Application Form
• Statement of Purpose
• Personal Autobiography
• Headshot Photograph
• Letter of Recommendation from:
  • Employer (manager/supervisor) OR
  • Nursing Program Dean/Director, Academic Advisor, Professor, or Instructor
• Unofficial Transcript(s)
• Proof of Enrollment (if not yet enrolled in classes):
  • Submit an acceptance letter on official letterhead from the Nursing Program Dean/Director
  • Include an unofficial transcript of previous coursework