Foundation for Academic Nursing Continues Support for Students Impacted by COVID-19

Nearly 8,000 Students Nationwide Applied for 158 Scholarship Awards

WASHINGTON, DC, September 11, 2020 – The Foundation for Academic Nursing, the philanthropic arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), is pleased to announce the latest round of students to receive scholarship support through the COVID-19 Nursing Student Support Fund. This fall, a total of 107 nursing students will receive $500 in support to help them overcome hardships linked to COVID-19. Since the program launched in April 2020, the Foundation has received almost 8,000 applications for funding and disbursed a total of 158 awards.

Investing in nursing students will help to ensure that our nation’s healthcare needs are met during the pandemic and beyond,” said AACN President and Chief Executive Officer Deborah Trautman. “The Foundation for Academic Nursing applauds the generosity of our donors who are helping to ensure that nursing students complete their education and enter the workforce without delay. We remain hopeful that additional contributors will join us in supporting this program so we can have a greater impact on meeting student needs.

The COVID-19 Nursing Student Support Fund provides one-time scholarships to nursing students impacted by the pandemic and seeking financial support to complete their nursing programs and/or to meet life expenses. Priority is given to entry-level students in baccalaureate and master’s programs in the final two semesters of their nursing programs. 

The latest scholarship awards were distributed to nursing students in every state (except Alaska) as well as students in Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. More than 50 awards were presented to students in Maryland, New York, and Washington, DC at the request of the Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation, which provided $25,000 in support. A gallery of scholarship recipients is posted on the Foundation’s website.

The COVID-19 Nursing Student Support Fund was initiated by philanthropist Darlene Curley, an Honorary Associate Member of AACN and chair of the Foundation’s Advisory Committee, who provided $25,000 in startup funding. Since its inception, the program has garnered additional support from the Blaustein Foundation, Jonas Philanthropies, University of Memphis Foundation, ATI Nursing Education, and almost two dozen individual, student, and corporate donors. A complete list of donors is posted online.

Contribute to the COVID-19 Nursing Student Support Fund  

The Foundation for Academic Nursing is seeking additional support from other philanthropic, corporate, and individual donors for this fund to expand our ability to help more nursing students in need. Those wishing to contribute are encouraged to donate online via the AACN Web site. Those with questions about making a contribution are encouraged to contact Marta Okoniewski, AACN’s Director of Student Engagement, at mokoniewski@aacnnursing.org.