Professional Development Scholarships

Each year, LeadingAge PA awards scholarships that enhance opportunities for staff of member communities who are pursuing further education, training, and certification — both within and outside of the field of nursing.  We are proud to award $40,000 in professional development scholarships in 2024, and we look forward to continuing to support LeadingAge PA member staff with their professional goals!

The 2024 application window opens on February 26, 2024, and will close on April 17, 2024. To ensure consideration, applicants must submit the following fully completed application components:

• Fully completed LeadingAge PA Professional Development Scholarship Application
•  Proof of acceptance or enrollment in an acceptable program of study
• Copy of transcripts or most recent grade report, if applicable
• One recommendation form completed by someone familiar with the applicant's professional work performance such as an organization leader, director, supervisor, or manager. References from friends, family, or coworkers will not be accepted.

It is the scholarship applicant's responsibility to ensure that applications are completed. Applications that fail to meet the eligibility criteria or are incomplete will not be considered for review. Applicants will receive notification of their acceptance status by late spring 2024. Any questions about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, or application components can be directed to Erin McDermott at emcdermott@leadingagepa.org.

Eligibility Requirements: 

The LeadingAge PA Professional Development Scholarship Program is available to staff of provider members of LeadingAge PA who:

• Have been employed by a LeadingAge PA member in Pennsylvania for at least one year
• Agree to maintain a record of acceptable employment during the scholarship year
•  Are accepted or enrolled in an acceptable college, university, training, or certification program in areas of study, including nursing-related fields (i.e., CNA, LPN, RN, BSN, MSN, etc.) and non-nursing-related fields (i.e., food service, therapy, social work, management, accounting, marketing, engineering, hospitality, etc.) to benefit the senior services sector. If not yet accepted, an individual may still apply for the scholarship. If they are chosen for an award, proof of acceptance is required before award funds are dispersed (within 30 days of award notification, or the award will be rescinded).  

A selection task force comprised of LeadingAge PA members and staff will determine awardees and reserve the right to add, remove, or waive eligibility criteria as deemed necessary. The task force will work to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the selection process. The total number of scholarships awarded for each category is based on the number of applications received. LeadingAge PA also reserves the right to confirm the eligibility of applicants.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Does the applicant meet the defined eligibility requirements?
• How well does the personal statement describe a commitment to the applicant’s professional development journey?
• How well does the personal statement describe a future commitment to aging services?
• How well does the personal statement illustrate how the degree, certificate, or program will impact seniors and/or the aging services sector?
• How well does the recommendation illustrate the merit of the applicant?
• Consideration may also be given to the following:
  • Geographic location of the member organization
  • Tuition assistance program currently offered by the member organization
  • Financial need of the applicant
  • Type of program, degree, or certificate being pursued