Guidelines for Scholarship Applicant

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In order to be considered for a scholarship from the Black Nurses Association (BNA) of Greater St. Louis, a thorough application must be completed. To assist you with this process, we have devised these guidelines to assist you. Please review this information carefully. Recognize that the Scholarship and Awards Committee must receive all documents in order for your application to be considered. Applications that contain missing documents will not be reviewed and will be rejected.

 

Scholarship Requirements:

 

Each applicant must meet the following criteria:

 

1. Currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program (LPN/LVN, Diploma, ADN, BSN, Masters, or Doctoral) 

2. Be in good academic standing at the time of the application, with a minimum GPA of 2.75

3. Sign the attached Commitment Letter 

 

Each applicant must provide the following:

 

1. Completed 2022 Scholarship Application; 

2. Copies of transcript(s) from most recently attended/enrolled accredited school of nursing; the Scholarship and Awards Committee reserves the right to require an official transcript; 

3. Three-page typed essay (guidelines provided in separate section);

4. Reference letters from two (2) of the four listed below;

   • Dean, Nursing Director, or Faculty (on official letterhead)

   • Minister or religious leader (e.g., Pastor, Priest, Imam, Rabbi; on official letterhead)

   • Nurse in the community; can be a member of the BNA of Greater St. Louis (on letterhead of place of employment or healthcare affiliation)

   • Individual who is knowledgeable about applicant’s personal and professional character with signature and contact information (cannot be family member)

   • Letters are to be emailed directly from the selected reference and to be delivered to provided email address.  Reference Letters should be saved as a Word document or PDF file.  

   • See the document labeled “Reference Letter Cover PAGE” for specifics; 

5. Documentation of current enrollment and grade point average of 2.75 or better, in nursing courses; and, 

6. Recent professional-type headshot is required, sent as an attachment in a separate email; no exceptions. 

7. Additional items to accompany the application in support of applicant’s eligibility and desirability may include documented evidence of: 

• Participation in student nurse activities

• Involvement in activities targeting the Black/African American community (e.g., letters, news clippings, awards, certificates, etc.)

 

Additional Information:

 

1. You may receive scholarship funds from BNA of Greater St. Louis a total of twice as a/an LPN/LVN, diploma, ADN, BSN, or master’s student, and three times as a doctoral student.

2. Limit the number of supporting documents (e.g., certificates, articles, etc.) to 10 pages.  

3. Documents are to be emailed to bnagreaterstlouis@gmail.com, Attn: Scholarship and Awards Committee Chair, no later than 12:00 pm (CST), Saturday, August 20, 2022.  

4. Each applicant will receive notification of receipt of the completed scholarship application (including supporting materials). It is the applicant’s responsibility to email the Scholarship and Awards Committee Chair at bnagreaterstlouis@gmail.com if no such notification is received.  

5. Please have Reference Letters emailed directly to bnagreaterstlouis@gmail.com Attn: Scholarship and Awards Committee Chair.

6. All applicants will be notified of the Scholarship and Awards Committee’s decision by September 4, 2022. 

7. Note: Scholarship applications will not be accepted by US mail.  

8. Please note: The Scholarship and Awards Committee will only review completed applications.  Failure to submit all required information automatically disqualifies the applicant.

9. Submit only the documents, including number of documents, requested. For instance, do not submit more than two reference letters.  

10. Feel free to contact the Chair of Scholarship and Awards Committee at bnagreaterstlouis@gmail.com, or 314.646.6144 should you have questions or need further clarification on the guidelines.  

11. Scholarships will be awarded during the 5th Annual Edith L. Cole Scholarship Luncheon of the Black Nurses Association of Greater St. Louis, to be held Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 11 am until 2 pm, at Orlando’s Events Centers, 2050 Dorsett Village, Maryland Heights, MO. Recipients are expected to attend the monthly meeting, and can invite one guest to the meeting.