Maine Nursing Student Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by American Nurses Association Maine
About ANA‑Maine
ANA‑Maine is the professional organization representing registered nurses in Maine and a constituent member of the American Nurses Association (ANA). Membership connects nurses and nursing students to state- and national-level resources, advocacy, education, and professional opportunities. The ANA‑Maine office administers member programs, including scholarships and awards that support nursing education and professional development. This scholarship program is one of the ways ANA‑Maine invests in the future nursing workforce in the state.
- **Organization:** Constituent member of the American Nurses Association.
- **Membership access:** State and national benefits, resources, and opportunities.
- **Program administration:** Scholarships are managed by ANA‑Maine as part of member services.
Description of the Scholarship
The ANA‑Maine Nursing Student Scholarship program awards two annual scholarships to students pursuing nursing degrees. The program supports both pre-licensure nursing students and practicing registered nurses advancing to graduate study. Recipients are publicly recognized by ANA‑Maine during its annual awards events. Funding for the awards comes from ANA‑Maine supporters and community donors.
- **Program scope:** Two scholarships awarded each year.
- **Purpose:** Support nursing education at pre‑licensure and graduate levels.
- **Recognition:** Recipients receive formal acknowledgment by ANA‑Maine.
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program and meet academic and residency criteria to qualify. Eligible candidates include students in Maine state‑approved RN programs leading to an associate, baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral degree; doctoral candidates in out‑of‑state programs may apply if they have permanent Maine residency. Applicants must be enrolled at least half‑time, have completed a minimum of 30 program credits, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be in good standing with their institution. Membership in ANA or as an ANA student subscriber is required.
- **Program enrollment:** Maine state‑approved, accredited RN programs (ADN, BSN, MSN, doctoral).
- **Residency exception:** Out‑of‑state doctoral candidates eligible with Maine permanent residency.
- **Academic standing:** At least half‑time enrollment, 30 credits completed, minimum 3.0 GPA.
- **Membership requirement:** ANA member or ANA student subscriber.
Award Value
The program awards two equal scholarships of $2,000 each annually. One scholarship is designated for a student enrolled in an accredited pre‑licensure registered nursing program. The second scholarship is reserved for a registered nurse enrolled in a master's or doctoral nursing program. These awards are intended to offset education expenses and support continued progress in nursing studies.
- **Number of awards:** Two scholarships per year.
- **Amount:** $2,000 per scholarship.
- **Recipient categories:** One pre‑licensure student; one graduate (MSN/doctoral) RN.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit documentation that verifies academic progress, membership, and professional potential. Required materials include an official or recent transcript and degree audit, proof of ANA‑Maine or Student Nurses’ Association membership, a one‑page single‑spaced personal essay on how nursing has or will impact your life, and one professional or academic letter of recommendation. Complete and accurate documentation is necessary for application review.
- **Transcript:** Most recent transcript and degree audit.
- **Membership proof:** Verification of ANA‑Maine or Student Nurses’ Association membership.
- **Personal essay:** One page, single‑spaced—describe nursing’s impact on your life.
- **Recommendation:** One professional or academic letter.
Selection Process
A student affairs committee conducts a blind review of applications using a standardized rubric to ensure impartial evaluation. The review panel includes the student affairs committee chair and three additional committee members who independently score submissions. Final awardees are communicated to the ANA‑Maine Board before the fall annual meeting. The rubric‑based, blind process focuses on academic achievement, demonstrated commitment to nursing, and strength of supporting documents.
- **Review format:** Blind review using a standardized rubric.
- **Committee makeup:** Student affairs chair plus three committee members.
- **Board notification:** Awardees announced to ANA‑Maine Board before the fall meeting.
Application Timeline
Specific application opening and closing dates are posted annually by ANA‑Maine; applicants should consult the ANA‑Maine website for the current cycle. Recipients are notified by mid‑September and invited to attend the Scholarship Soiree and Awards Presentation in the fall for formal recognition. Applicants should plan to allow time for obtaining transcripts, recommendation letters, and membership verification before the posted deadline.
- **Check annually:** Application window published on the ANA‑Maine website.
- **Notification:** Recipients informed by mid‑September.
- **Award event:** Scholarship Soiree and Awards Presentation held in the fall.
History of the Award
The ANA‑Maine Nursing Student Scholarship has been established as an annual program funded by ANA‑Maine members, community contributors, and other donors. The scholarship reflects ANA‑Maine’s ongoing commitment to supporting nursing education and the development of Maine’s nursing workforce. Each year the program provides financial support and formal recognition to emerging and advancing nurses as part of ANA‑Maine’s broader member services and outreach.
- **Funding source:** ANA‑Maine members, community supporters, and donors.
- **Annual tradition:** Scholarship awarded and recognized each year.
- **Strategic purpose:** Support nursing education and workforce development in Maine.