The National Black Nurses Association Scholarship Program is one of the most respected nursing scholarship opportunities in the United States. Offered by the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), this program supports nursing students at every academic level — from LPN to Doctorate (PhD/DNP) — with awards starting at $1,000 and above.
Each year, scholarships are presented to selected awardees during the NBNA Annual Institute & Conference, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service.
The 2025–2026 NBNA Scholarship Program is now open, and eligible students are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
Scholarship Summary Table
| Scholarship Details | Information |
| Host Organization | National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) |
| Eligible Levels | LPN, LVN, ADN, RN-BSN, BSN, MSN, Doctorate (PhD/DNP) |
| Scholarship Value | Starting from $1,000 (varies by fund) |
| Membership Requirement | Must be an NBNA member |
| Minimum School Year Remaining | At least one full academic year |
| Application Deadline | March 15, 2026 (5PM EST) |
| Application Mode | Online via CommunityForce |
| Presentation of Awards | NBNA Annual Institute & Conference |
About the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)
Founded in 1971, the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) is dedicated to improving the health of African American communities and increasing the number of Black nurses in leadership roles across healthcare systems. The association offers professional development, networking, advocacy, and scholarship opportunities to its members.
Through its scholarship program, NBNA invests directly in the future of nursing by supporting students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and service.
NBNA Scholarship Benefits
Scholarship amounts vary depending on the specific award fund, but benefits include:
- Monetary awards starting at $1,000
Recognition at the NBNA Annual Conference
- National professional exposure
- Networking opportunities with nursing leaders
- Career advancement and leadership visibility
Over the years, NBNA has awarded substantial funding to nursing students:
- Over $150,000 awarded to PhD candidates
- 32 scholarships totalling over $68,000 in 2020
- 57 scholarships totaling over $257,000 in 2023
Major NBNA Annual Scholarships
Scholarships vary each year based on sponsorships and funding. Some notable scholarship funds include:
- Abbott Scholarship Fund
- Arizona College of Nursing Scholarship
- Aya Healthcare Nurses of Tomorrow Scholarship
- BAND-AID® Brand Black Healthcare Heroes in Nursing Scholarship
- Dorothy B. Martin Scholarship
- Dr. Daisy Harmon-Allen Scholarship
- Dr. Eric J. Williams Scholarship
- Dr. Kenya Williams Health Policy Leadership Scholarship
- Dr. Lauranne Sams Scholarship
- Dr. Lola Denise Jefferson Scholarship
- Dr. Martha A. Dawson Genesis Scholarship
- Dr. Millicent Gorham Scholarship
- George E. McGuire Memorial Scholarship
- JAYHAL Foundation Scholarship
- Mrs. Ola Lofton Scholarship
- Margaret Pemberton Scholarship
- Maria R. Dudley Advanced Practice Nurse Scholarship
- NBNA Board of Directors Scholarship
- NBNA Ebi Porbeni Memorial Scholarship (by Be The Match)
- NBNA Social Justice Scholarship
- NurseThink.com Scholarship
- Supplemental Health Care (SHC) Scholarship
- Lifepoint Health Equity in Nursing Scholarship
- United Health Foundation for Diversity in Health Care Scholarship
- VITAS Healthcare / Esther Colliflower Scholarship
Corporate sponsors, foundations, NBNA members, and individual donors fund these scholarships.
NBNA Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the NBNA Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
NBNA Membership (Mandatory)
- Must be a current NBNA member
- Must belong to a local NBNA chapter (if one exists within 50 miles)
- If no chapter exists within a 50-mile radius, applicants may join as a Direct Member
Enrollment in Nursing Program
Applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program
- Be in good academic standing
- Eligible programs include:
- LPN/LVN
- ADN
- RN-BSN
- Generic BSN
- Master’s Degree
- Doctorate (PhD/DNP)
Remaining Academic Year
- Must have at least one full academic year remaining in the nursing program.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following materials:
Official Transcript: From an accredited School of Nursing
Personal Statement: Maximum 2 pages / 500 words
Should highlight academic goals, leadership, and community involvement
Letters of Recommendation (2 Required)
- From a Dean or Faculty Member
- Must confirm enrollment and expected graduation date
- From Chapter President or Vice President
- Must validate accuracy of application information
Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Maximum of 5 pages
Registrar Verification Letter: Must verify enrollment and expected graduation date
Professional Headshot: Clean, clear, professional image
Additional Supporting Materials
Applicants may strengthen their application by providing documented evidence of:
- Participation in student nurse activities
- Community involvement within the African American community
- Awards, certificates, news clippings
- Active participation in NBNA chapter or national programs
Application Deadline
March 15, 2026
5:00 PM EST
Late applications are not considered.
How to Apply for the NBNA Scholarship 2025–2026
To apply, visit the official website here https://nbna.org/programs-committees/programs/scholarships/
- Become an NBNA member (if not already one)
- Review your local chapter via the Chapter Directory
- Complete the online application via CommunityForce
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Submit before the deadline
Applications and transcripts may be accepted via mail or email, but applicants should confirm submission instructions through NBNA’s official platform.
For questions, applicants may contact: kshaw@nbna.org
FAQs
-
What is the National Black Nurses Association Scholarship Program?
The National Black Nurses Association Scholarship Program is a financial aid initiative offered by the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) to support nursing students at all academic levels — from LPN to doctoral (PhD/DNP) programs.
The scholarship provides awards starting at $1,000 and above, depending on the specific scholarship fund. It recognizes academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement, especially within African American communities. Awardees are honored at the NBNA Annual Institute & Conference.
-
Who is eligible to apply for the NBNA Scholarship 2026?
To qualify for the NBNA Scholarship Program, applicants must:
- Be an active member of NBNA
- Be a member of a local NBNA chapter (or join as a Direct Member if no chapter exists within 50 miles)
- Be enrolled in an accredited nursing program (LPN, ADN, BSN, MSN, PhD, DNP)
- Be in good academic standing
- Have at least one full academic year remaining in their nursing program
This scholarship is designed to support nursing students who demonstrate academic achievement and leadership within their communities.
-
Do I have to be an NBNA member to apply?
Yes. NBNA membership is mandatory.
You must join the National Black Nurses Association before submitting your scholarship application. If there is an NBNA chapter in your area, you must join that chapter. If no chapter exists within a 50-mile radius, you may apply as a Direct Member.
Applications submitted without active membership will not be considered.
-
How much is the National Black Nurses Association Scholarship worth?
NBNA scholarships typically start at $1,000, but award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship fund and available sponsorships.
In recent years:
- Over $150,000 has been awarded to PhD candidates
- In 2023 alone, 57 scholarships totaling over $257,000 were awarded
Some named scholarships and corporate-sponsored awards may offer higher funding amounts.
-
What documents are required for the NBNA Scholarship application?
Applicants must submit:
- Official transcript(s) from an accredited School of Nursing
- Two letters of recommendation
- A 500-word personal statement (maximum two pages)
- Resume or CV (maximum five pages)
- Registrar verification letter
- Professional headshot
Additional supporting documents demonstrating leadership, community service, and participation in nursing activities are highly recommended to strengthen your application.
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