The Brave of Heart Nursing Scholarship offers awards of up to $10,000 for ADN and BSN students who demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to improving community health outcomes. Funded by the Cigna and New York Life Foundations, this one-time scholarship is a meaningful opportunity for students facing personal or academic challenges.
Eligibility
Applicants to the Brave of Heart Scholarship Nursing Scholarship must:
- Be a current college undergraduate who will earn their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) by September 2026.
- Plan to enroll in full-time or part-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the 2025-26 academic year (Fall and/or Spring semesters).
- Have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
- Be in good standing according to school policy.
- Demonstrate financial need.
Selection of Recipients
Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:
- Two essays* that will reflect the following:
- Perserverance and grit
- Demonstrated intent to positively impact health outcomes for the community you serve
- Academic record
- Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities
- Work experience
- An optional statement of unusual personal or family circumstances
*Essay Topics
- Essay 1: What is one significant event or hardship in your life that created an obstacle to accomplishing your academic or career goals? How did this event impact your academic or career path? What actions helped you overcome these challenges? What are the top two lessons you learned from this experience?
- Essay 2: Where do you see yourself in 10-15 years? Describe your long-term career goals and objectives. What community do you hope to serve with your nursing degree, what challenges does that community face from a health perspective and how do you hope to make a difference for that community?
Financial need, as calculated by Scholarship America, must be demonstrated for the student to receive an award.
Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship America. In no instance does any officer or employee of the Brave of Heart Fund or E4E Relief play a part in the selection.
Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.