The Cecelia Lou Scholarship is a single scholarship for up to $8,000 awarded to nurses pursuing advanced degrees to advance their career as a full-time nurse educator who are the first in their family to pursue higher education and belong to an historically marginalized/excluded group including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, Native American, Pacific Islander, immigrant populations, those from rural areas.

Eligibility

• Applicant must be the first generation in their family to pursue higher education 

• Applicant must belong to an historically marginalized/excluded group including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, Native American, Pacific Islander, immigrant populations, those from rural areas 

• Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited advanced degree nursing program (e.g. masters, doctorate). 

• Applicant must have completed at least one academic year by the application deadline (May 2026). 

• Applicant must be in good academic standing. 

• Applicant must complete the application as listed on the NLN website. 

• Scholarship funds may go towards books, tuition, and research/project related expenses. 

Application Requirements

Each proposal must include the below content areas. Incomplete applications will be disqualified. 

Scholarship Proposal Outline

1. Introduction (Overview): Describe your need for support and clarity of purpose 
   • Max. 250 words
2. Description of your Program of Study 
   • i.e. dissertation, capstone, scholarly project, pilot project; quality project; change initiative). 
   • Max. 500 words
3. Include specific outline, timeline and projected graduation date. 
   • If you have completed a dissertation proposal defense or had a DNP project approved, please include defense date. If project has been IRB approved, please indicate.
   • Max. 500 words
4. Describe how your study links to NLN’s mission statement and core values.
   • Max. 250 words
5. Describe your background and how it has contributed to your goals as a nurse educator 
   • Max. 250 words
6. 2 Letters of recommendation (addressed to the NLN Foundation).
   • Max. 500 words per letter
7. Budget Narrative: Be sure that each line item on the budget is clearly justified.
8. Bio sketch form

Please note that there is not a specific application template, however, each application should attempt to follow the order of the checklist and use headings indicative of these requirements.

NOTE: If you have questions related to the application process, please contact Emma Wolfe at ewolfe@nln.org or foundation@nln.org.