NLN Foundation for Nursing Education Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by National League for Nursing
Overview
The NLN Foundation for Nursing Education will open the 2026 scholarship and award application cycle on Monday, February 23, 2026. The application window runs from Monday, February 23, 2026 through Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Applicants will be informed of decisions by the end of July 2026. Recipients will be honored at the NLN Summit in Fall 2026 in Washington, DC.
About the Scholarships
As the first member organization to offer scholarships specifically for nurse educators, the NLN Foundation supports the NLN’s mission to strengthen and diversify the nursing workforce to improve health nationally and globally. Each year the Foundation awards scholarships up to $8,000 to nurses pursuing advanced degrees with the intention of becoming full‑time nurse educators.
Who is Eligible
- Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited master’s or doctoral nursing program.
- Candidates should have completed at least one full year of study by June 2026.
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate that program or project completion is realistic (examples: IRB approval for research, defended dissertation proposal, approved capstone/DNP project, or an approved quality improvement/change initiative).
- The Foundation especially encourages experienced nurses and nurses from diverse ethnic backgrounds to apply.
- Applicants must hold NLN membership either through individual dues or through their employer school’s NLN membership.
Required Resources to Review Before Preparing Your Application
- NLN Nursing Education Scholarship Review Rubric (please review carefully)
- Scholarship Application Prep Webinar — Recording (2025)
- NLN Scholarship FAQ
Application Requirements and Submission Checklist
Each application must include all items below. Incomplete submissions will be disqualified. Please follow the order of the checklist and use clear section headings that correspond to these items.
1. Introduction — Explain your need for financial support and state your purpose clearly.
2. Program of Study — Describe the focus and format (e.g., dissertation, capstone, scholarly or pilot project, quality improvement, or change initiative).
3. Timeline and Projected Completion — Provide a detailed outline, timeline, and expected graduation date. If applicable, include the date of your dissertation proposal defense or DNP project approval, and indicate whether IRB approval has been obtained.
4. Alignment with NLN — Describe how your work advances the NLN’s mission and core values.
5. Career Goals — Explain your objectives as a nurse educator.
6. Letters of Recommendation — Two letters addressed to the NLN Foundation.
7. Budget Narrative — Provide a clear budget with justification for each line item.
8. Biosketch Form — Complete and include the Biosketch Form (available on SM Apply).
Additional Notes
- There is no single mandated application template, but applications should follow the checklist order and use headings that correspond to each required section.
- Carefully review the NLN Nursing Education Scholarship Review Rubric before submitting.