Et cetera : IHCA Foundation Offers Health Care Scholarships

IHCA Foundation Offers Health Care Scholarships for Long-Term Care Employees, High School Students, Veterans and Rural Iowa Residents

88 scholarships now available; applications due May 31

The Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) Foundation announced today the opening of its application cycle, which in 2024 will make more than $200,000 available to individuals interested in pursuing or advancing their career in long-term care. Applications are open now through May 31 for current long-term care employees, as well as high school seniors, veterans or individuals residing in rural Iowa counties who are pursuing an education in health care. 

"With Iowa's senior population on the rise and a growing demand for long-term care services, the IHCA Foundation remains dedicated to expanding its scholarship offerings to meet our sector's evolving needs," said IHCA Foundation Program Director Natalie Thompson. "Through our 2024 scholarship programs, generously supported by donors, we aim to empower driven individuals to pursue their career aspirations in long-term care."

Scholarship Offerings
The IHCA Foundation is now accepting applications for the following scholarships:

* John W. & Kimberly D. Grubb Registered Nurse (RN) Scholarship Program - This $4,000 scholarship, made possible by the John R. and Zelda Z. Grubb Charitable Foundation, is for employees of IHCA member organizations who are pursuing an accredited RN degree or seeking to advance their nursing degree. A total of 40 scholarships are available. 

* MolinaCares High School Scholarship Program - This $2,000 scholarship, made possible by The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation (MolinaCares), is for Iowa high school seniors who are in their senior year during the 2023-2024 academic year. This scholarship covers tuition fees to pursue a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), RN, or Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program for the 2024-2025 academic year. This scholarship is intended for those interested in a future career in long-term care. A total of nine scholarships are available.

* Linda Juckette Family Rural and Veteran Scholarship Program - This $2,000 scholarship, made possible by the Linda Juckette Family Gift Fund, is for anyone residing in a rural Iowa county or is a veteran who is interested in pursuing a health care education, including nursing, health care administration degree programs or long-term care certification programs, with the goal of joining the long-term care profession. A total of five scholarships are available.

* Iowa Total Care Leadership Training Scholarship Program - This $1,500 scholarship, made possible by Iowa Total Care, is for leaders at IHCA member organizations accepted, or planning to enroll, into the 2024-2025 IHCA Executive Health Care Leadership Institute. This program is specially designed for leaders who work in long-term care and includes the leadership fundamentals necessary to lead others and the specific technical skills in demand in long-term care settings. A total of nine scholarships are available.

* Care Initiatives Director of Nursing (DON) Scholarship Program - This scholarship, made possible by Care Initiatives, is for assistant directors of nursing (ADONs) or RNs who are employed by an IHCA member facility and are interested in pursuing the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) DNS-CT (Director of Nursing Services - Certified) certification, a DON certification program held at IHCA on Nov. 12-15, 2024. Scholarships will be offered to provide for the registration fee to participate in the AAPACN DNS-CT (DON Certification Program) held at IHCA.

* IHCA Member Employee Scholarship Program - This $1,500 scholarship is for employees of IHCA member organizations who are pursuing a nursing, health care administration or a physical or occupational training program. This scholarship is made possible by the Iowa Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (IPALTC), IHCA Districts and Nurse Connect. A total of 13 scholarships are available.

How to Apply 
Eligibility requirements, application guidelines and materials are available online at iowahealthcare.org/foundation. Completed applications are due by May 31. Winners will be announced in July.

About the Iowa Health Care Association Foundation
Founded in 1988 by the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA), the mission of the IHCA Foundation is to foster excellence in long-term care for Iowans by building a stronger workforce. The IHCA Foundation carries out this mission by empowering individuals to reach their career goals in the long-term care profession through scholarships, career education and career access programs. IHCA Foundation programs help support career opportunities available in the long-term care continuum, including nursing facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living programs, residential care facilities, senior living communities and home health agencies.