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King County Nurses Association Scholarships
Overview
King County Nurses Association (KCNA) is proud to help ensure the future of nursing in our community by offering scholarships to qualified nursing students. Since 1993, KCNA has awarded $861,500 in scholarship funds to support 345 nursing students.
For our 2026 Program, KCNA will provide 18 scholarships at $4,500 each.
Timeline
- Application deadline: March 2, 2026.
- Recipients will be notified in late March to early April 2026.
- Funds will be distributed in early July 2026.
- Awardees must use the funds between summer 2026 through spring 2027 school terms.
- Funds can be used for tuition, books and supplies.
Purpose
- Provide financial assistance to qualified students who have a permanent address or are currently enrolled in a nursing program in King County and are preparing for a career as a registered nurse, or to RNs returning for an advanced degree in nursing or a related field.
- Encourage and provide for increasing diversity within the nursing profession that reflects the population.
- Support nurses to be change agents in creating a healthier community in King County.
Award Categories
Core Plus Award: this scholarship is for nursing students enrolled in an associate program, a baccalaureate program or an accelerated baccalaureate program - all preparing for careers as a registered nurse. This category is also for licensed registered nurses in an RNB program leading to bachelor’s degree in nursing. The Core Plus Category is also for pre-licensure nursing students working towards an advanced nursing degree.
Advanced Award (Valerie Weiss Memorial Scholarship): this scholarship is for post-licensure registered nurses working towards an advanced degree in nursing or a related field. For Master's, DNP and PhD nursing students. In addition to meeting eligibility requirements, advanced applicants must demonstrate an exemplary commitment to the nursing profession through extracurricular professional activities.
- Valerie Weiss, ARNP, MN, MA was an outstanding nurse whose professional commitment was an inspiration to her colleagues and patients alike. This award is given as a lasting legacy, honoring her commitment to nursing and the community.
KCNA reserves the right to distribute scholarships among award categories depending on applications received.
Eligibility Requirements
Core Plus Scholarship Award Category:
- Be currently enrolled in nursing program as described in Award Categories.
- Maintain a minimum “B” average (3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale).
- Maintain a permanent address in King County OR be enrolled in a nursing program located in King County.
Advanced (Valerie Weiss) Scholarship Award Category:
- Be currently enrolled in nursing program as described in Award Categories.
- Maintain a minimum “B” average (3.0 grade point average).
- Maintain a permanent address in King County OR be enrolled in a nursing program located in King County.
- Demonstrate an exemplary commitment to the nursing profession through extracurricular professional activities.
Additional Eligibility Requirements (Both Categories):
- Applicants can only receive an award once from KCNA.
- KCNA members are encouraged to apply.
- Students must be currently enrolled and have completed coursework in their current nursing program to apply OR students must have been accepted into an accelerated program (18 months or fewer) at the time of application.
- Applicants may utilize the funds anytime during the period between summer 2026 through spring 2027 school terms. Funds cannot be utillized outside of this timeframe.
Award Criteria
Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of:
- Commitment to social justice
- Commitment to King County community
- Community/school involvement
Application Requirements
Application materials must be complete and include:
- Completed application
- Current college transcripts (unofficial copy is fine) that include nursing courses and any prerequisites. You must have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
- Current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Two signed letters of recommendation.
- One from an instructor (of nursing, if applicable). Note: The “Statement of Eligibility” included in this application does not count as a letter of recommendation.
- One from a non-relative (examples: volunteer supervisor, work supervisor).
- Completed essay questions:
- Core Plus Award Category applicants, please answers these essay questions: (250 words min/700 words max per question)
- Tell us about what inspired you to become a nurse and how your school is helping you meet your goals.
- What are the issues that you are especially passionate about and how will you address them in your career as a nurse?
- Some of the most persistent health concerns remain disparities in health outcomes. Discuss your beliefs regarding equity and social justice and how you plan to address health outcome disparities in your career as a nurse.
- Tell us about how your background and life story will contribute to diversity in the nursing profession.
- Advanced Award Category applicants, please answers these essay questions: (250 words min/700 words max per question):
- Tell us about what inspired you to become a nurse and how your school is helping you meet your goals.
- What are the issues that you are especially passionate about and how will you address them in your career as a nurse?
- Some of the most persistent health concerns remain disparities in health outcomes. Discuss your beliefs regarding equity and social justice and how you plan to address health outcome disparities in your career as a nurse.
- Tell us about how your background and life story will contribute to diversity in the nursing profession.
- How have you demonstrated a commitment to the nursing profession through extracurricular activities?
- Signed Statement of Eligibility. You may qualify for an exception if you are in an accelerated program of short duration.
- Signed Statement of Applicant.
Application Process
1. Register
Click on the "Register" button and complete and submit the registration form.
2. Log in
Log in to the Scholarship Portal with your email address and password.
3. Create
Create your online application.
4. Save
During the Call for Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a 
appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the 
icon in the Application Summary section.
5. Submit
On completion, save your Application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Applications period ends, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.
If you require assistance or additional information, please contact us at: kcnurses@kcnurses.org.
Selection Process
- Applications are due by March 2, 2026. The KCNA Scholarship Committee selects scholarship recipients after a rigorous review process.
- Scholarship applicants will be notified of their selection status. The selection process takes from four to six weeks from the application deadline.
- Awards will be paid by KCNA directly to the school of nursing attended by the recipients in early July 2026. Funds will then be applied by the school to student accounts.
- Scholarship recipients will be honored at our Annual Gala the evening of May 14, 2026. Recipients are expected to be in attendance.
About KCNA
King County Nurses Association is a professional organization of registered nurses, committed to supporting members and the communities they serve through education, advocacy, and service.
Be sure to have all needed information and materials available before starting your online application.
Questions? First, please read ALL information very carefully. If after thoroughly reviewing the information you still have questions, email us at: kcnurses@kcnurses.org.
Register/Log in
First time visitor? Use the "Register" button. Once you submit your registration, use the "Log in" button to log into the system.
Returning visitor? Use the "Log in" button.
Key Dates
Contact Us
King County Nurses Association4649 Sunnyside Avenue North, #352
Seattle, Washington 98103
Phone: 206-545-0603
Email: kcnurses@kcnurses.org
