Scholarships for Pediatric Nursing Students

How to Get Scholarships for Pediatric Nursing Students
The costs of nursing school can be significantly reduced with scholarships for pediatric nursing students.  Scholarships can be used to pay for tuition, books, and fees associated with nursing school.  Pediatric nurses are in high demand. Getting financial assistance to help pay for your nursing education is the first step to a rewarding career in nursing.

Following below are examples of scholarship programs for nursing students specializing in pediatrics.

National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Foundation

Students enrolled in a pediatric nurse practioners program may be eligible for financial assistance from the Foundation.  Multiple scholarship programs are administered including the Reckitt Benckiser PNP Scholarship, the Elaine Gelman Scholarship, and the McNeil Rural & Underserved Scholarship.  Each scholarship has individual eligibility and submission requirements.  Award amounts range from $2,000 to $20,000 depending upon the scholarship program. Applicants must be members of the Association to be considered.  For applications and additional information, contact the Association at 20 Brace Road, Suite 200, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 or by calling (856) 857-9700.

Society of Pediatric Nurses

The Society sponsors several awards as well as the annual Academic Education Scholarship. This scholarship program is intended to support nursing students pursuing a four-year nursing degree in pediatric healthcare. Only members of the Society will be considered.  Awards are usually around $500. Applications are typically due at the beginning of each year. For applications and additional information, contact the Society at 7044 South 13th Street, Oak Creek, WI 53154 or by calling them at (414) 908-4850.

Academy of Neonatal Nursing

Undergraduate and graduate nursing students who are enrolled in a nursing program that focuses on neonatal or related specialty may be eligible for a scholarship from the Academy.  Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, current employment, and a personal essay.  Financial need is not a requirement. Only students with at least two years of experience in neonatal healthcare can apply. Applicants must be members of the Academy to be considered. Awards are $1,000.  The Academy must receive completed applications by April annually.  For applications and guidelines, contact the Academy at 2270 Northpoint Parkway, Santa Rosa, CA 95407-7398. You can call (707) 569-0786 if you have general questions.

Educational Institute Nursing Scholarships

Pediatric nursing students may be eligible for scholarships through their nursing school.  If you are a nursing student specializing in pediatrics, you can contact your school’s office of financial aid to learn about scholarship opportunities.  The nursing department will also have information on these scholarships including eligibility and submission requirements.  Following is an example of a nursing school that offers scholarships for nursing students planning to become pediatric nurses.

Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis

Pediatric nurse practitioner students enrolled in the University’s School of Nursing may be eligible for financial assistance from the School which administers in excess of $700,000 in scholarships each year. There are scholarships for undergraduate and graduate nursing students pursuing this discipline.  Undergraduate pediatric nursing students are eligible for the Riley Children’s Foundation Renee Thompson Scholarship. The Tyler Luke Mayse Scholarship is for graduate students focusing on pediatric nursing. Each scholarship opportunity has individual eligibility and submission requirements.  Award amounts vary, ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. For applications and guidelines, students should contact the School of Nursing at (317) 274-8040.

Employer-Sponsored Nursing Scholarships

Employers who hire pediatric nurses may offer scholarships to nursing students specializing in pediatrics.  Acceptance of these scholarships may require students to work for the employer upon graduation.  Other employer scholarships may be restricted to employees. An example of an employer-sponsored scholarship program for pediatric nursing students follows.

Children’s Health Care of Atlanta

Children’s is the largest healthcare provider in Georgia. As such they are interested in financially supporting aspiring nurses.  They offer multiple scholarship opportunities throughout the year.  High school seniors interested in pursuing a pediatric nursing career can apply for an Occupations Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, work or volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay in response to a prompt. Applicants must be a member of Georgia HOSA (a student organization comprised of future healthcare professionals) to be considered.

Children’s CHANCES Scholarship is specifically for students interested in pediatric nursing.  Nursing students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in nursing program are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, work or volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay that addresses specific questions listed on the application form.  Awards are $10,000 per year for two years.  Applications must be submitted electronically by April annually.  For further information, students can contact Children’s at (404) 785-7211.

Community-Based Nursing Scholarships

Pediatric nursing students may be eligible for scholarships offered by community organizations.  These can be foundations or healthcare nonprofits. Family and community foundations are great resources for nursing scholarships, including those for pediatric nursing students. The following is an example of a community scholarship program for students enrolled in pediatric nursing studies.

Middlesex County Medical Society Foundation, Inc.

The Foundation awards nursing scholarships to graduate students who have lived in Middlesex County, New Jersey for at least five years prior to application.  A nursing student enrolled in a pediatric nurse practitioner program and meet this criterion is eligible to apply for financial assistance from the Foundation. Scholarships are awarded based on academic scores, documented financial need, work or volunteer activity, and letters of recommendation. Award amounts vary.  Completed applications are due to the Foundation by February annually.  For applications and guidelines, students can contact the Foundation at 575 Cranbury Road, Suite B-7, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 or by calling them at (732) 257-6800.

Multiple sources of scholarships for pediatric nursing students exist.  Students can apply to these programs for financial assistance for nursing school.  The more scholarships you receive, the less you will owe toward your education costs.