Exceptional Nurse Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Exceptional Nurse

Description **Purpose and audience** ExceptionalNurse.com is a nonprofit started to support nursing students and nurses with disabilities, focusing on access, accommodation, and opportunity within nursing education and practice. The organization provides resources and awards aimed at reducing barriers to entry and progression in nursing programs for people with documented disabilities. It operates as a targeted support network rather than a general scholarship fund, emphasizing the intersection of nursing education and disability advocacy. The organization’s work is rooted in both service and lived experience. Key takeaways: - Founded to support nursing students and nurses with disabilities. - Focuses on access, accommodation, and opportunity in nursing education. - Provides targeted resources and awards rather than general scholarships. - Emphasizes advocacy informed by practical and personal experience. History of the award **Founding and founder background** ExceptionalNurse.com began in 2001 as a grassroots nonprofit created by Donna Maheady, Ed.D., APRN, a pediatric nurse practitioner and long-time nursing educator. Dr. Maheady has taught nursing for more than 40 years and completed a doctoral dissertation on the experiences of nursing students with disabilities, giving the organization an evidence-based foundation. She continues to teach as an adjunct faculty member at Utica College. Personal motivation for the organization includes Dr. Maheady’s experience raising a daughter with HNRNPU, a de novo genetic mutation that has shaped the organization’s sensitivity to complex disability needs. Key takeaways: - Launched in 2001 as a grassroots nonprofit. - Founded by Donna Maheady, Ed.D., APRN, a pediatric NP and nursing educator. - Founder’s scholarly work focused on nursing students with disabilities. - Personal family experience influenced the organization’s mission. Eligibility **Who can apply** Applicants must be students with a documented disability who have applied to or already been admitted to a college or university program on a full-time basis. Documentation is required and is verified through the organization’s Medical Verification of Disability Form. Eligibility is specific to students (not practicing nurses unless otherwise stated by the organization) and assumes full-time enrollment in an academic program. Prospective applicants should confirm that their disability documentation meets the organization’s verification standards before applying. Key takeaways: - Open to students with documented disabilities. - Applicants must be applied to or admitted to a college/university program full-time. - Medical verification of disability is required. - Confirm documentation meets the organization’s standards before applying. Application checklist **Required application materials** A complete application includes a signed application form, three letters of recommendation (non-relatives) attesting to academic ability and character, an essay of approximately 1–2 pages, and official transcripts for high school and/or college courses completed. The Medical Verification of Disability Form must also be completed and submitted to confirm eligibility. Ensure recommenders are able to speak to your academic potential and character, and allow adequate time to collect official transcripts and verification. Key takeaways: - Submit signed application form plus Medical Verification of Disability Form. - Provide three non-relative letters of recommendation. - Include a 1–2 page essay and official transcripts. - Start early to collect recommendations, transcripts, and verification. Award value **Amount and disclosure** The provided information does not specify the dollar amount or number of awards offered through ExceptionalNurse.com. Award value and distribution frequently vary by year and by program; therefore, amounts are best confirmed directly with the organization. Applicants should prepare a complete application without assuming a particular award size and should ask the organization for details if award amount affects their planning. Transparency about award value is typically available on the organization’s website or by direct inquiry. Key takeaways: - Award amount and number of recipients are not specified in the supplied content. - Values may change annually; confirm with the organization. - Don’t assume award size when planning finances—seek clarification. - Check the organization’s official channels for current award details. Application timeline **Deadlines and processing** No specific application deadlines or decision timelines are provided in the source material. Typical application workflows include an open application window, a review period, and notification of awards—applicants should confirm exact dates and notification methods with ExceptionalNurse.com. Plan ahead: request letters of recommendation, order transcripts, and obtain medical verification well before any internal or posted deadlines. If timing is unclear, contact the organization directly to request current deadlines and expected decision dates. Key takeaways: - No deadlines or decision dates are listed in the provided content. - Contact the organization or check its website for current timelines. - Begin gathering materials early to meet unknown deadlines. - Ask the organization how and when award decisions are communicated.