Lincoln, NE – Changes in the State of Nebraska nursing scholarship program mean bigger scholarships and expanded eligibility.
Nebraska residents enrolled in a licensed practical nurse program, associate degree of nursing program, or traditional or accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program are eligible for scholarships up to $5,000 per semester. Students enrolled in quarterly programs are eligible for up to $3,500 per quarter.
“Nebraska needs more nurses and this opportunity allows us to double the size of scholarships and widen eligibility to help address our nursing shortage,” said Public Health Division Director Charity Menefee. “This can be a difference-maker that enables students to afford nursing school.”
In 2022, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services was granted $5 million for nursing scholarships through the American Rescue Plan Act. So far, approximately $3 million in scholarships have been provided to nearly 800 Nebraska resident nursing students.
The nursing program must be in Nebraska, and the student must have finished all prerequisites and be enrolled in the nursing program to be eligible. Qualified applicants will receive scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis each semester until their nursing program is complete or the scholarship funds are spent. Upon completion of their nursing program, scholarship recipients will be required to practice nursing in Nebraska for a minimum of two years.
“These scholarships will help reduce barriers to entry in the nursing field and grow Nebraska’s public health workforce.” Menefee continued, “Each scholarship recipient will play a vital role in bolstering Nebraska’s public health infrastructure and reinforcing the importance of nurses and their many roles within the public health system.
“All Nebraskans benefit from the state supporting and retaining nurses,” Menefee said.
All current and prospective licensed practical nurse programs, associate degree of nursing programs, or accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program students are encouraged to apply at the following link: https://redcap.link/75o4jzvw. The Fall 2024 application has already opened and the deadline to apply is on July 31. Questions or concerns may be sent to dhhs.nursingscholarship@nebraska.gov.