Diversity in School Nursing Scholarship

Purpose

Intended to provide financial support for registered nurses employed in schools from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds to pursue advanced education in health-related sciences.

History

This scholarship originated as the Donna Mazyck Award in 2023. Donna Mazyck, MS, RN, NCSN, CAE, served as the NASN Executive Director from 2011 to 2023 and as President of NASN from 2007 to 2009. Also a licensed clinical professional counselor, Donna was passionate about facilitating student well-being and success and connecting all the helpers (schools, students, families, agencies, communities) whose focus was on student health, safety, and learning. A gift from the members of the NASN board of directors and officers funded the original award.

Scholarship

  1. The NASN Scholarship Committee will select one recipient annually.
  2. The scholarship amount will be determined annually (up to $2,500), based on available endowment funds, by the endowment allocation advisory committee, and approved by the executive committee. 
  3. Scholarship funds will be mailed to recipient. 
  4. The recipient will receive complimentary registration to the conference during the year the scholarship is awarded. 
  5. Recipient's name will be announced at conference and communicated to the NASN membership.

Applicant Requirements

  1. Current and active membership status in NASN for at least the past two years.
  2. Current license as registered nurse in state of employment.
  3. Current full-time employment as a school nurse.
  4. Current acceptance or enrollment in an educational program.
  5. Hold a bachelor's degree or higher (this degree does not have to be in nursing).
  6. Be from a historically underrepresented racial/ethnic background in health-related sciences, including those who identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander.
  7. At the time of award, individuals must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident (permanent resident card); temporary or student visas are ineligible.

Applicant Responsibilities

  • Demonstrate a serious intent to advance school nursing practice by submitting an essay (five hundred words or less) describing how your students and school system will benefit from receipt of this scholarship.
  • Submit a digital copy of your RN license.
  • Submit a document verifying your current employment as a school nurse. This should be on letterhead or include the employer's name, telephone, and address. Please be sure that it also indicates your current position.
  • Submit a document verifying current acceptance or enrollment in an educational program.
  • Submit online application no later than October 15. (Application interface opens on or about August 15).
  • Applicants are permitted to apply for one scholarship category each cycle.
  • Scholarship funds must be returned upon failure to complete coursework planned.

Judging

  1. Scholarships will be rated on the following criteria:
    a. Benefit to school nursing practice - 60%
    b. Impact on the community - 25%
    c. Educational goals - 15%
  2. The applicant’s ability to briefly and concisely respond will be factored into the decision.
  3. The scholarships will only be presented to candidates who meet the established criteria and can demonstrate quality of practice.
  4. The scholarships will not be presented if a qualified candidate is not identified.
  5. The decision of the committee will be final and not open to appeal.

Apply Online by October 15

Questions? Contact NASN.

Related Award Links