Deadline: Midnight December 19th

Purpose: This program honors IASN’s commitment to meeting our mission of supporting and advancing the practice of professional school nurses in Illinois by supporting the achievement of attaining the highest national standards for school nursing care.

Procedure: As a benefit of membership in the organization, two scholarships in the amount of $370.00 (early bird registration fee) will be awarded annually to reimburse the cost of the current national certification registration fee.

The scholarships recipients will be awarded after the applicant successfully passes the NBCSN exam for the current testing window (October 23-November 23, 2025) and verification of applicant meeting criteria for the program has been completed.

Applicant Requirements:  

• Current Active membership status in IASN and NASN for at least one year.
• Obtain passing score on NBCSN exam for the current testing window (October 23-November 23, 2025) and receive notice of certification from NBCSN.
• Applicants may not be part of the selection committee.
• Only complete applications will be accepted and reviewed.

Application Process:

• Register for and complete exam for NBCSN: https://www.nbcsn.org/ncsn/examination/
• Submit a complete scholarship award electronic application by April 11, 2025.

  • Late applications will not be considered.

• All applicants will be notified of the Scholarship Committee’s decision by the IASN Vice-President (or designee) by April 25, 2025.

Judging

• Scholarship essays and applications will be reviewed, scored, and verified by the Scholarship/Grant Committee based on the Essay Grading Rubric.
• The Scholarship will only be presented to candidates who meet all of the established criteria.
• Scholarships will not be awarded if a qualified candidate is not identified and the program’s budgeted funds will be placed back into the general fund for IASN.
• The decision of the committee will be final and not open to appeal.

Awards

• Two scholarships are available per year based on IASN’s fiscal calendar (July 1st-June 30th)
• Once two awards have been distributed, the program will close until the next fiscal year.
• Scholarship awards will be granted upon successful completion of the NCSN exam for the current testing window (March 1-31,2025) and verification of application requirements.
• Scholarship recipients must complete and return the IASN Scholarship Recipient Form that is sent with award notification.
• Recipient’s name and photo will be published in the IASN Social Media outlets.
• Recipient(s) will be recognized at the following Spring or Summer Fundraising Foundation event.
   

Scholarship Application:

*Please include a written verification of current employment as a school nurse from your employer, confirmation of passing score on NBCSN exam, and notice of certification from NBCSN (online verification may also be used for this).
*Only complete applications received prior to the rolling application deadlines will be reviewed.

Step 1: Complete registration for NBCSN exam and successfully complete exam during testing window. 

https://www.nbcsn.org/ncsn/examination/

Step 2: Complete an essay, double-spaced 500 words or less, using the evaluation rubric. 

Please address the following topics in your essay:

• At least one of your desired professional goals related to certification.
• The benefit this certification may have on your school nursing practice and the Impact on your school, community, and at risk and/or underserved population groups.
• What would your contribution to IASN and other school nurses as a result of this advanced certification may be?

Step 3: Complete an application to include verification documents and essay attachments. 

Deadline: Midnight December 19th

The IASN Foundation is honored to offer the Achievement Awards to support the school health community.

The IASN Foundation promotes school nurses involvement in professional activities.  To honor professional achievements, the IASN Foundation offers two $150 award annually to IASN members.  These awards recognize achievements that impact school nursing or the health of children/youth.  Achievements can consist of things such as: writing an article for publication in a professional journal, conducting a quality improvement project, developing and implementing a school program, developing and implementing a school based project, accomplishing a special project for IASN, first time oral presentation at the NASN conference.

The achievement must have been completed within 24 months of the application deadline.

To Apply:

• Complete the application form  (attached)
• Write 1 to 2 pages explaining the achievement including a description of the achievement, outcome of the project/activity, and how achievement contributes to school nursing.
• Use 1 inch margins, double spacing, minimum of 12 point font when writing about the project.
• E-mail the application form as an attachment and written pages explaining the achievement to:  iasnfoundation@gmail.com.

Deadline: Midnight December 19th

The Lois Frels Research Award was established in 1991 and is presented to members of IASN in recognition of outstanding research which impacts school nursing and/or the health of children/youth. Dr. Lois Frels is former certified school nurse who has encouraged school nurses to do nursing research and remains a true friend to the school nursing profession.

One $500 award given to an IASN member in recognition of research that impacts school nursing or the health of children/youth. The research must have been completed within 24 months of the application deadline.

The research must have been completed within 24 months of the application deadline.

The applicant(s) must be an active status member of IASN.

Expectations of Award Winner

Prepare and present the project as a poster presentation (not eligible for poster award),a verbal presentation at the next IASN Conference, or submitting an article suitable for publication in the IASN Newsletter. The award recipient will be encouraged to submit an article for publication in a school nursing related journal.

The award recipient will be encouraged to publish the research project. The winner(s) will be encouraged to enter the project for the NASN Lillian Wald Research Award, but the completion time for NASN is 12 months. An individual may enter the NASN Research Award independently of IASN.

Past award winner(s) may submit new research projects every five (5) years.

To Apply:

• Complete the application form (attached)
• Submit a Resume
• Submit a report of completed research, which includes: (not to exceed 6 pages)
  • Title of study or project
  • Purpose of study or project including the research question or hypotheses.
  • Description of the methodology used and the results of data collected.
  • Contribution the project will make to the field of school nursing and/or health of children/youth
• Use 1 inch margins, double spacing, minimum of 12 point font when writing about the project.
• E-mail the application form as an attachment and written pages explaining the project to: iasnfoundation@gmail.com.

Deadline: Midnight December 19th

The IASN Foundation offers one Margaret Winters Graduate School Scholarship annually to an Illinois Professional Educator Licensed and Endorsed School Nurse in the process of obtaining a graduate degree related to school nursing. This scholarship, in memory of Margaret Winters, was established to promote graduate level education among Professional Education Licensed School Nurses. The scholarship is intended to help offset part of the cost of pursuing the graduate degree. All graduate programs require a scholarly project as part of the course of study. This project may be used to fulfill the scholarship application requirements.

One $1,500 scholarship given to an IASN member currently enrolled in a graduate level program which has at its core, nursing or nursing management in the school setting. Your graduate program scholarly project may be used to fulfill the scholarship application requirements. The recipient will also receive complimentary admission to the next IASN Annual Conference (approximate value $150).

Application Criteria

Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in School Nursing or currently enrolled in a School Nurse Certification Program

Current enrollment, or proof of enrollment for the upcoming semester, in a graduate level program which has as its core, nursing or nursing management in the school setting

Active membership in the Illinois Association of School Nurses

Project Criteria

This project must be evidence-based and reflect direct benefit to the children of Illinois and/or the practice of School Nursing. The project must be in the process of completion or completed within the previous year of applying for the consideration of this award. Projects more that 2 years previously completed will not be accepted.

Expectations of Award Winner(s)

Prepare and present the project as a poster presentation (not eligible for poster award),a verbal presentation at the next IASN Conference, or submitting an article suitable for publication in the IASN Newsletter. The award recipient will be encouraged to submit an article for publication in a school nursing related journal.

The winner(s), if a research project done, will be encouraged to submit the project for the NASN Lillian Wald Research Award, but the completion time for the NASN Award is 12 months.

To Apply:

• Complete the application form (attached)
• Have a Graduate Program faculty member sign the application
• Attach a letter from applicant stating her/his vision of how children’s lives or school nursing will be affected by the project and how the project contributes to her/his professional goals.
• Attach a narrative detailing project not to exceed 6 pages.
• Use 1 inch margins, double spacing, minimum of 12 point font, single sided when writing about the project.
• If submitting a research project, IRB approval is required.

Please send application to: iasnfoundation@gmail.com

Deadline: Midnight December 19th

The former Northwest IASN Division is offering grants for school nurses in northwestern Illinois to attend the IASN Annual conference. Grants will continue to be awarded until all the money is used up.

Up to twelve $150 grants will be awarded annually for IASN members in Boone, Winnebago, Ogle, Stephenson, Lee, or JoDavies counties. Applicants must agree to share information learned at the conference with other nurses in their school district after the conference and before the end of that school year.

Applicants must:

Reside in Boone, Winnebago, Ogle, Stephenson, Lee, or JoDavies counties.

Be a current member of IASN

Agree to share information learned at the conference with other nurses in their school district after the conference and before the end of that school year.

The scholarship will be paid to the individual on the last day of the conference. Must be present to receive the scholarship.

To Apply:

• Complete the application form (attached)
• Write an explanation of how you will share information learned at the conference with other school nurses
• E-mail the application form as an attachment and written pages explaining the project to: iasnfoundation@gmail.com.

Please send application to iasnfoundation@gmail.com.

IASN School Nurse Administrator of the Year Application Rubric

Information provided by applicant should be evaluated for content related to The School Nursing Practice Framework, National Association of School Nurses (2024), and The American Nurses Association, Nursing Administration: The Scope and Standards of Practice, 2nd Ed. (2016).

The School Nursing Practice Framework: NASN’s framework provides structure and focus for the key principles and components of current day, evidence-based school nursing practice. Central to the framework is student-centered nursing care that occurs within the context of the students’ family and school community. School nurses daily use the skills outlined in the practice components of each principle to help students be healthy, safe, and ready to learn. Learn more here.

Standards of Practice for Nursing Administrators: Assessment, Diagnosis, Outcomes Identification, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation

Standards of Professional Performance for Nursing Administrators: Quality of Care and Administrative Practice, Performance Appraisal, Professional Knowledge, Professional Environment, Ethics, Collaboration, Research, Resource Utilization Adapted from The American Nurses Association, Nursing Administration: Scope and Standards of Practice, 2nd Ed. (2016). Information in the complete application will be reviewed and evaluated by using the framework as the foundation for school nursing practice. The standards of practice and professional performance guide and direct the school nurse administrator’s practice within the framework. Nominators should submit a narrative that clearly outlines the nominee’s professional school nurse activities with emphasis on the role of supervisor/administrator using the five principles of the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice. A complete description of the five principles along with examples can be found in the instructions here (Apply here)

IASN School Nurse of the Year Application Rubric

Information provided by applicant should be evaluated for content related to The School Nursing Practice Framework, National Association of School Nurses (2024), and The School Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (3rd Ed.) (ANA & NASN, 2017).

Standards of Practice for School Nursing: describe a competent level of nursing care as demonstrated by the critical thinking model known as the nursing process. These standards encompass all significant actions taken by school nurses and form the foundation of the school nurse’s decision-making. (Adapted from ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, 2015)

Standards of Professional Performance for School Nursing: describe a competent level of behavior in the professional role. All school nurses are expected to actively engage in professional role activities appropriate to their education, experience, and position. School nurses are accountable for their professional actions to themselves, their students, families, and school communities; the profession; and ultimately, to society. (adapted from ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, 2015)

The School Nursing Practice Framework: NASN’s framework provides structure and focus for the key principles and components of current day, evidence-based school nursing practice. Central to the framework is student-centered nursing care that occurs within the context of the students’ family and school community. School nurses daily use the skills outlined in the practice components of each principle to help students be healthy, safe, and ready to learn. Learn more here.

Please use this article as a reference to guide your evaluation of school nurse interventions and outcomes based on the framework: Best, N.C., Oppewal, S., Travers, D. (2017). Exploring school nurse interventions and health and education outcomes: An integrative review. The Journal of School Nursing, 1-14.Nominators should provide a narrative that clearly outlines the nominee’s professional school nurse activities using the five principles of the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice. A complete description of the five principles along with examples can be found in the instructions here (Apply here).

Deadline: Midnight December 19th

Purpose: This program honors IASN’s commitment to meeting our mission of supporting and advancing the practice of professional school nurses in Illinois by helping increase Illinois school nurses’ attendance at the professional NASN Conference.

Procedure: As a benefit of membership in the organization, one grant in the amount of $510 (early bird registration fee) will be awarded annually to reimburse the cost of the current NASN Conference registration.

The grant will be awarded after the applicant successfully registers for the NASN Conference once the registration window opens.

Applicant Requirements:

• Current Active membership status in IASN and NASN for at least one year.
• Current license as a registered nurse in the state of Illinois
• Current employment as a school nurse in the State of Illinois.
• Obtain proof of registration for the upcoming NASN Conference.
• Applicants may not be part of the selection committee.
• Only complete applications will be accepted and reviewed.

Application Process:

• Submit a complete electronic application by May 1, 2025.
  • Late applications will not be considered.
• Complete an essay, double-spaced 500 words.
• All applicants will be notified of the Scholarship Committee’s decision by the IASN Vice-President (or designee) by May 15, 2025.

Judging:

• Grant essays and applications will be reviewed, scored, and verified by the Scholarship/Grant Committee based on the Essay Grading Rubric.
• The Scholarship will only be presented to candidates who meet all of the established criteria.
• Scholarships will not be awarded if a qualified candidate is not identified and the program’s budgeted funds will be placed back into the general fund for IASN.
• The decision of the committee will be final and not open to appeal.

Awards:

• One grant is available per year based on IASN’s fiscal calendar (July 1st-June 30th)
• Once one grant is distributed, the program will close until the next fiscal year.
• Grants will be granted upon successful completion of the application requirements and proof of registration for the upcoming NASN 2025 conference.
• Grant recipients must complete and return the IASN Scholarship Recipient Form that is sent with the award notification.
• The recipient’s name and photo will be published in the IASN Social Media outlets.
• Recipient(s) will be recognized at the annual IASN conference during the awards ceremony.

Step 1: Complete application by May 1, 2025

Step 2: Complete an essay, double-spaced 500 words or less, using the evaluation rubric.

Please address the following topics in your essay:

• Describe a significant challenge you have faced as a school nurse in your community, and how you addressed this challenge to improve student health outcomes. Discuss how attending this conference would enhance your ability to continue addressing similar challenges and promote health and well-being among the students and families you serve.

Step 3: Complete an application to include verification documents and essay attachments.

Deadline: Midnight December 19th

The DuPage and Will Counties PEL Grant is intended to provide some financial assistance to IASN members in the former DuPage Valley Division area (DuPage and Will counties) obtaining their School Nurse Certification.

Up to 10 one-time grants of $1,000 awarded annually to IASN members living in DuPage or Will counties working on obtaining their Professional Educator’s License as a School Nurse. Applicants must have been an IASN member for at least 1 year and been approved for and started in the internship program of a PEL-CSN program, in the past 12 months.

Applicants must:

• Reside in DuPage or Will Counties.
• Been approved for and started in the internship program of a PEL-CSN program in the past 12 months.
• Been a current member of the IASN for at least one year.
• The grant will be given to the individual. The Individual is responsible for any applicable taxes.

To Apply:

• Complete the application form (attached)
• Attach a letter (500 words or less) to the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) regarding your philosophy of school nursing and your aspirations / goals for contributing to the of professional school nursing in Illinois.
• Have a School Nurse Certification Program faculty member sign the application

E-mail the application form as an attachment and written pages explaining the project to: iasnfoundation@gmail.com.

Deadline: Midnight December 19th

The Cook County PEL Grant is intended to provide some financial assistance to IASN members in the former LSCV Division area (Cook County) obtaining their School Nurse Certification.

Up to ten grants of $1,000 each annually to IASN members living in Cook County working on obtaining their Professional Educator’s License as a School Nurse. Applicants must have been an IASN member for at least 1 year and been approved for and started in the internship program of a PEL-CSN program, in the past 12 months.

Applicants must:

• Resides in Cook County
• Been approved for and started in the internship program of a PEL-CSN program, in the past 12 months
• Been a current member of the IASN for at least one year

Note: This grant will be given to the individual. The individual is responsible for any applicable taxes.

These grants will be given until the money given to the IASN Foundation for LSCV PEL Grants is exhausted – estimated to be 25 grants

To Apply:

• Complete the application form (attached)
• Attach a letter (500 words or less) to the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) regarding your philosophy of school nursing and your aspirations / goals for contributing to the of professional school nursing in Illinois.
• Have a School Nurse Certification Program faculty member sign the application
• E-mail the application form as an attachment and written pages explaining the project to: iasnfoundation@gmail.com.

Deadline: Midnight December 19th

One grant of $2,000 to a nurse pursuing a Professional Educator’s License as a School Nurse. The grants is for the purpose of assisting an IASN member residing in Lake County obtain their School Nurse Certification. The grant will go to a student attending Lewis University’s ISU/Mennonite’s School Nurse Certification Program. (The grants for other certification programs have already been awarded). Applicants must have been approved for and started in the internship program of a PEL-CSN program, in the past 12 months.

Applicants must:

• Reside in Lake County.
• Been approved for and started in an Approved Illinois School Nurse Certification Program.
• Be a current member of the IASN

The grant will be paid directly to the university.

To Apply:

• Complete the application form (attached)
• Attach a letter (500 words or less) to the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) regarding your philosophy of school nursing and your aspirations / goals for contributing to the of professional school nursing in Illinois.
• Have a School Nurse Certification Program faculty member sign the application
• E-mail the application form as an attachment and written pages explaining the project to: iasnfoundation@gmail.com.

Deadline: Midnight December 19th

The IASN Foundation Statewide PEL Grant is intended to provide some financial assistance to IASN members obtaining their School Nurse Certification.

Two $800 grants given annually to nurses working to obtain their PEL-CSN. Recipients also receive complimentary admission to the next IASN Annual Conference (approximate value: $150). Applicants must be enrolled in an Illinois School Nurse Certification Program or have completed a program within the past academic year.

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in, or completed within the past academic year, an Illinois School Nurse Certification Program.
• Be current members of the Illinois Association of School Nurses Association (IASN).

The grant will be given to the individual. The individual is responsible for any applicable taxes.

To Apply:

• Complete the application form (attached)
• Attach a letter (500 words or less) to the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) regarding your philosophy of school nursing and your aspirations / goals for contributing to the of professional school nursing in Illinois.
• Have a School Nurse Certification Program faculty member sign the application
• E-mail the application form and letter to: iasnfoundation@gmail.com.

Deadline: Midnight December 19th

The IASN Foundation State Wide BSN Grant is intended to provide some financial assistance to IASN members obtaining their BSN. The IASN Foundation offers two $500.00 grants annually. Recipients also receive complimentary admission to the next IASN Annual Conference (approximate value: $150). Award will be based upon personal needs and individual goals in school nursing.

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in, or completed within the past academic year, a BSN Program.
• Be working as an RN in a school setting currently and for the past 2 years.
• Be an Illinois Association of School Nurses Association (IASN) member currently and for the past two years.
• The grant will be given to the individual. The individual is responsible for any applicable taxes.

To Apply:

• Complete the application form (attached)
• Attach a letter (500 words or less) to the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) regarding your philosophy of school nursing and your aspirations / goals for contributing to the profession of school nursing in Illinois.
• Have a BSN Program faculty member sign the application
• E-mail the application form and letter to: iasnfoundation@gmail.com.