Master the Scholarship Game
by Donna Cardillo, RN, MA
I so often hear nurses say, "I can't
possibly go back to school. I just don't have the money." And yet there is more scholarship money available
today than ever before. You just need to know where to look. Here are some tips for finding and getting the
money you need. When filling out the application, remember these key points:
If you’re pursuing a degree in nursing or healthcare, contact the following sources for scholarship information:
- Your state nurses association (www.nursingworld.org). Click on Constituent Member Associations whether you are a member or not.
- Any relevant specialty association. These could be related to your current specialty or one you intend to
work in afterwards. For example, if you currently work in ICU but intend to become a certified registered
nurse anesthetist, contact both the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (www.aacn.org) and the American
Association of Nurse Anesthetists (www.aana.org). Find a listing of professional associations in the resources
section of the directory.
- Check online nursing scholarship lists such as those referenced below. You will have to weed through them
because some are designated for certain ethnic groups, different levels of education or certain specialties.
- Relevant ethnic heritage professional associations, if applicable, such as the National Association of
Hispanic Nurses (http://thehispanicnurses.org), National Black Nurses
Association (www.nbna.org), and the
Philippine Nurses Association of America (www.philippinenursesaa.org).
- The financial aid office in the school you are considering attending.
- Peterson’s Scholarships, Grants and Prizes 2008. This comprehensive book can be found in bookstores
or in the reference section of your library. Ask the librarian to help you find this and other
scholarship listing books.
Whether you are pursuing a degree in nursing or another major, there are many other sources as well:
- Ethnic clubs, such as the Italian American Club. Many have scholarship money available to those of that
nationality or ethnic heritage. Similarly, some religious organizations have scholarship money available for
those of the same faith.
- Philanthropic organizations, civic clubs such as Rotary Clubs, veteran’s associations, unions, and
organizations that support those with disabilities, if applicable.
- Yours or your parents’ employer —regardless of your age.
- Other business and professional associations in your community and your home state as well as the
state where you will be attending college. Seek out those related to your future career plans. For
example, if you are pursuing an MBA, target business and management associations.
Remember this while completing your applications:
- Applications must be filed by the deadline date and be complete. Follow the instructions carefully.
Otherwise your application will not be considered.
- Read the award criteria carefully because each scholarship has a different focus. Understand what each
organization is looking for and provide relevant information.
- If you are required to write an essay, tailor your comments to the particular scholarship criteria. Choose
your words carefully. Do not exceed the allowed word limit. Let the reader(s) know why this is important to you
and why you are the right candidate for the award. Remember, those judging the application only have your
paperwork with which to make an evaluation. Make every word count. Let your passion and commitment come through
on paper. Be sure to mention any hardships, challenges, or special circumstances, such as single parent, disabled,
veteran, first-generation American, immigrant, sole supporter of your family, special recognition or honors
received in the past. Keep the reader in mind when you write.
- Just like a resume, your application should be free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. A typed
application makes a good impression.
- The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances of receiving awards. Some organizations even
award money for living expenses in addition to tuition.
Where to find scholarships listings —
Start filling out the applications, writing the essays, and licking the stamps. Money, or lack of it,
should never be an excuse not to go back to schools. Where there is a will there is always a way! There
is definitely money out there for you. Go after it.
Copyright Gannett Healthcare
Group (www.nurse.com). All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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