Empowering Future Critical Care Nurses Across the U.S.
The AACN2: Pathway to Critical Care Nursing Scholarship is a collaborative initiative by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Designed to nurture the next generation of critical care professionals, this scholarship supports prelicensure nursing students with a passion for working in high-acuity healthcare environments.
Administered by the Foundation for Academic Nursing, the program provides $2,500 in financial aid to selected students enrolled in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs. Its mission is to inspire and invest in aspiring nurses committed to excellence in critical care.
Award Value: $2,500 per recipient
Total Scholarships Available: 16
Total Funding: $40,000
Focus: Encouraging and supporting students pursuing careers in critical care nursing
To qualify for the AACN2 Scholarship, applicants must:
Be enrolled in an entry-level baccalaureate nursing program at an AACN member institution
Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2
Be scheduled to graduate within 6 to 12 months
Exhibit a demonstrated interest in critical care nursing
Applications Open: June 30, 2025
Deadline to Apply: September 1, 2025
Eligible students should gather academic records and prepare a compelling application demonstrating their commitment to critical care nursing. The official application form will be available via the AACN website starting June 30, 2025.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Alexa Betances
Foundation Coordinator
📧 abetances@aacnnursing.org
1. Who can apply for this scholarship?
Students enrolled in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs at AACN member schools, with a GPA of 3.2 or higher and graduating in 6 to 12 months, are eligible to apply.
2. Are graduate or licensed nurses eligible?
No. The scholarship is strictly for prelicensure undergraduate nursing students.
3. How are recipients selected?
Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, expressed commitment to critical care, and adherence to the eligibility requirements.
4. Is this scholarship renewable?
No. The award is a one-time, non-renewable grant of $2,500.
5. Where can I access the application?
The application form will be posted on the AACN official website on June 30, 2025.