The ILN Scholarship Program for 2026 has not yet opened. Applications and award details will be announced in the coming months once the new cycle begins. We encourage interested students to check back for updates as the opening date approaches.
See below for past scholarships and winners.
Iowa League for Nursing Grants and Scholarships
Iowa League for Nursing Grants and Scholarships
The Iowa League for Nursing is excited to announce the following Scholarships and Grants available for 2025: (Application Deadline: June 1, 2025)
- The applicant's professional activity must not be associated with the obtainment of a degree.
- The applicant must be a current member of the Iowa League for Nursing Education.
- Examples of professional activities include, but are not limited to, conference attendance, certification, recertification, continuing education courses.
- The recipient of the Professional Development Grant is expected to report back to the Iowa League for Nursing Education board of directors regarding the use of the grant, including a potential webinar presentation during a quarterly ILN educational session.
- Application
- Online Membership form
Professional Development Grant: Up to $500 award
Nurse Educator Scholarship: Up to $1000 award
- The applicant must currently be enrolled in a graduate or doctoral program with a focus on education.
- The applicant must be a current member of the Iowa League for Nursing Education.
- The recipient of a Nurse Educator Scholarship is expected to report back to the Iowa League for Nursing Education board of directors regarding the use of scholarship, including a potential webinar presentation during a quarterly ILN educational session.
- Application
- Online Membership form
Joy Wilcox
2025
NURSING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT
I am honored to be selected as a recipient of the Iowa League of Nursing Professional Development Grant. As I prepare to transition from adjunct faculty to a full-time educator at Allen College in August 2025, this support will play a pivotal role in advancing my professional development and commitment to excellence in nursing education.
With this grant, I will pursue the Certified Nurse Educator-Clinical Instructor (CND-CL) credential, a vital step toward enhancing my instructional practice and aligning with the high standards set by Allen College and my esteemed colleagues. This milestone also supports my broader trajectory, which includes pursuing CNE and CHSE certifications and completing my Doctorate of Nursing with a focus on simulation education by December 2026.
Beyond academics, I remain deeply engaged in community initiatives and professional service to support the next generation of nurses and young minds in Iowa. I am sincerely grateful for this investment in my growth and look forward to contributing to the continued elevation of nursing education across our state.
Jennifer Jass
2025
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT
I’m honored to have received the ILN Professional Development Grant, which supports my participation in The Herbert Benson, MD Course in Mind Body Medicine through Harvard Medical School. This course focuses on evidence-based techniques such as meditation, breathwork, and biofeedback—approaches proven to reduce stress, build resilience, and promote overall well-being.
As a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner and faculty member at Allen College, I’m passionate about integrating holistic, patient-centered care into both clinical practice and education. Mind body medicine is especially important in today’s high-stress environment, where many individuals, including students, are navigating anxiety, trauma, and burnout. These practices offer practical, lifelong tools for emotional regulation and healing.
I look forward to applying this training in my work with patients at the University of Northern Iowa, and in the classroom with future NPs. Beyond individual care and classroom application, I hope to expand access to these techniques through student wellness programming and possible community outreach, creating ripple effects that support mental health across our campus and broader community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow in ways that will benefit not only my patients and students, but also the systems and communities we serve.
2024 Recipient
I am sincerely grateful for this scholarship opportunity, and wanted to extend my gratitude in being selected for this!
DNP Project:
My DNP Project is titled "Failure to Rescue in New Graduate Nurses" and aims to address the challenges that new graduate nurses face in recognizing and responding to deteriorating patient conditions, which can lead to failure to rescue (FTR) events. This evidence-based project involves implementing strategies to enhance the clinical skills and decision-making abilities of new graduate nurses, such as simulation training, mentorship programs, and standardized assessment tools. The project seeks to improve patient outcomes by equipping new nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify early warning signs of patient decline and take timely, appropriate action.
Future Goals:
Upon completion of the DNP program, I envision taking on leadership roles where I can influence positive change in nursing education. My commitment lies in bridging the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that nursing students are equipped with the most current knowledge and skills required in today's dynamic healthcare environment. I aim to bring fresh perspectives to curriculum development, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating emerging technologies into educational frameworks. As an academic leader, I intend to foster an environment that promotes critical thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning among students and faculty alike.
Alex McManus
2023
I am currently pursuing my DNP in Transformational Leadership at Morningside University. I will use the scholarship from the Iowa League for Nursing to offset the costs of obtaining my degree. Thank you for the support and assistance in obtaining my degree
— Deb Kleinwolterink, MSN, RN Dordt University
2023
The grant will be used for the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH)’s 24th annual International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare: IMSH 2024: Innovate. Disseminate. Educate. Advocate.The conference will take place January 20-24, 2024, in San Diego, California. The conference will allow for current knowledge to be gained and shared on best practices in simulation education. I will be both attending to learn and submitting a panel presentation to share simulation experiences
— Melanie Wynja, DNP, RN, CHSE Dordt University