Georgia Nurses Association Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Georgia Nurses Association

Georgia Nurses Foundation Scholarships — 2026 overview

The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) awards competitive scholarships to support Georgia students advancing their nursing education. Awards target multiple education levels, from pre-licensure baccalaureate programs through master’s and doctoral study. Selection emphasizes academic progress, program accreditation, and demonstrated commitment to nursing in Georgia.
- Scholarships support nursing education at undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Awards administered by the GNF Scholarship Committee.
- Selection rewards accredited enrollment, academic progress, and commitment to practice in Georgia.

Scholarships offered (quick list)

GNF currently funds five named scholarships that address specific educational pathways and career stages in nursing.
- Katherine Pope Scholarship — Non-registered students pursuing a BSN.
- Annie Lou Overton Scholarship — Students enrolled in RN-to-BSN programs.
- Sam and Irene Mazacoufa Undergraduate Scholarship — Undergraduate (BSN) students.
- Sam and Irene Mazacoufa Graduate Scholarship — Graduate students (MSN/Doctorate).
- Kathryn Suggs Chance Leonard Scholarship — Master’s and doctoral nursing students.

General eligibility requirements

Several application requirements apply across all GNF scholarships; applicants must also meet scholarship‑specific conditions listed below. Common requirements include enrollment in an accredited Georgia nursing program, submission of official academic transcripts, documentation verifying program accreditation, proof of Georgia residency, and two recommendations from nursing faculty or clinical supervisors. Check individual scholarship sections for minimum GPA, clinical experience, and licensure differences.
- Enrolled in an accredited Georgia nursing program (letter from program dean/director required).
- Submit official transcript(s) and two recommendations from nursing faculty or clinical supervisors.
- Provide proof of Georgia residency (copy of current Georgia driver’s license).
- Refer to each scholarship for minimum GPA, clinical completion, or license requirements.

Priority considerations (what increases selection chances)

The Scholarship Committee gives priority to applicants who demonstrate an intention to practice professional nursing in Georgia and active engagement with professional nursing organizations. Evidence of membership (e.g., membership card) in organizations such as the Georgia Nurses Association or Georgia Association of Nursing Students will strengthen an application. Priority is not a strict eligibility requirement but is considered during selection.
- Preference for applicants planning to work in Georgia after graduation.
- Preference for applicants with membership in nursing professional associations.
- Provide proof of association membership to receive priority consideration.

Application timeline and selection process

Applications are reviewed by the GNF Scholarship Committee; selection is based on adherence to eligibility criteria and completeness of the application package. Recipients for the 2026 awards will be notified by August 1. Annual application deadlines and submission instructions are posted on the GNF website—applicants should confirm current dates and required materials before applying.
- Committee selects recipients based on eligibility compliance and complete applications.
- Recipients notified by August 1 (2026 cycle).
- Check the GNF website for annual application deadlines and submission procedures.

Award value

Award amounts are set by the Georgia Nurses Foundation and may vary by scholarship and year. Specific funding levels are typically published with each application cycle or available upon inquiry to GNF. Applicants should verify award amounts in the current application materials.
- Award amounts vary and are determined annually by GNF.
- Consult the current scholarship announcement or contact GNF for exact amounts.
- Funding may be awarded to one or multiple recipients per scholarship.

Katherine Pope Scholarship — 2026

**Description**
The Katherine Pope Scholarship honors a nursing leader whose 45‑year career embodied selfless caregiving and community service. The scholarship supports non‑registered students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and encourages the development of future nursing leaders committed to excellence and patient care. This fund recognizes candidates who reflect Ms. Pope’s dedication to the profession and community service.
- Named for Katherine Pope in recognition of her leadership and service.
- Supports non‑registered students seeking a BSN.
- Focused on nurturing future nursing leaders.

**Eligibility**
Applicants must be non‑registered nursing students pursuing a baccalaureate degree and meet specific academic and clinical progress requirements; documentation requirements listed in General Eligibility also apply. Minimum GPA for this scholarship is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and applicants must have successfully completed at least two nursing clinicals. See General Eligibility for administrative documentation (transcripts, dean’s letter, residency verification, and recommendations).
- Target: non‑registered students seeking a BSN.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5 (4.0 scale).
- Must have completed at least two nursing clinicals; provide required documentation as per General Eligibility.

Annie Lou Overton Scholarship — 2026

**Description**
The Annie Lou Overton Scholarship commemorates the legacy of a long‑time executive director of the Georgia Nurses Association who bequeathed funds to help students realize their potential. It is intended specifically for registered nurses advancing their education through an RN‑to‑BSN program. The scholarship supports professional growth that benefits individual careers and the broader nursing profession.
- Established by Annie Lou Overton’s bequest to support RN-to-BSN students.
- Emphasizes professional advancement and impact on nursing.

**Eligibility**
Applicants must be enrolled in an RN‑to‑BSN program in Georgia and meet the General Eligibility documentation requirements. Minimum cumulative GPA is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; applicants must provide a copy of their nursing license number and official transcripts. Note: Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) and Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) Board members are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
- Target: students enrolled in RN-to-BSN programs.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5 (4.0 scale).
- Must provide nursing license number; GNA and GNF Board members are ineligible.

Sam and Irene Mazacoufa Undergraduate Scholarship — 2026

**Description / History**
Named in memory of Sam and Irene Mazacoufa and established through a gift from their son Demetrius, this scholarship honors the family’s commitment to education and support of the Georgia nursing community. The fund provides financial support specifically to undergraduate nursing students enrolled at Georgia institutions. It celebrates a legacy of giving and dedication to student education in nursing.
- Established in memory of Sam and Irene Mazacoufa by their son, Demetrius.
- Supports undergraduate nursing education at Georgia institutions.

**Eligibility**
This scholarship targets non‑registered students pursuing a baccalaureate nursing degree and requires completion of at least two nursing clinicals; all General Eligibility documentation must be submitted. Minimum cumulative GPA is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and applicants must submit official transcripts and two recommendations from nursing faculty or clinical supervisors. See General Eligibility for accreditation verification and residency documentation.
- Target: non‑registered BSN-seeking students.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5 (4.0 scale); at least two clinicals completed.
- Provide official transcript(s) and two faculty/clinical recommendations.

Sam and Irene Mazacoufa Graduate Scholarship — 2026

**Description**
Also established through Demetrius Mazacoufa’s support, the graduate scholarship advances the foundation’s mission by funding nursing students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Georgia. The fund is intended to assist graduate students whose advanced education will contribute to the nursing workforce and leadership within the state.
- Graduate-level funding created from the Mazacoufa legacy.
- Supports MSN and doctoral nursing students in Georgia.

**Eligibility**
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited master’s or doctoral nursing program in Georgia and meet General Eligibility documentation requirements. Minimum GPA and licensure conditions for graduate awards may differ by year; applicants should consult the specific application materials for required GPA thresholds and any license documentation. Submit official transcripts and recommendations as required in General Eligibility.
- Target: students pursuing master’s or doctoral nursing degrees.
- Enrolled in an accredited Georgia graduate nursing program.
- Follow General Eligibility for transcript and recommendation requirements; check current application for GPA specifics.

Kathryn Suggs Chance Leonard Scholarship — 2026

**Description / History**
This scholarship honors Kathryn Suggs Chance Leonard, a pioneering nurse leader, educator, and the youngest president of the Georgia Nurses Association. Her career—marked by advocacy, scholarship, and leadership—inspires support for nurses pursuing graduate education and leadership roles in nursing. The award recognizes students committed to advancing the profession through advanced study.
- Named for Dr. Kathryn Suggs Chance Leonard, noted educator and leader.
- Encourages graduate study and leadership in nursing.

**Eligibility**
This award is for students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing at an accredited Georgia program. Minimum cumulative GPA for this scholarship is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; applicants must be Georgia residents and provide official transcripts, two recommendations, and a dean/director accreditation confirmation. Provide a nursing license number if applicable; follow General Eligibility for other documentation.
- Target: master’s and doctoral nursing students.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0 (4.0 scale).
- Enrolled in an accredited Georgia graduate nursing program; provide required documentation.

How to apply and next steps

Collect documentation required under General Eligibility and the scholarship‑specific eligibility items noted above, confirm current deadlines on the GNF website, and submit a complete application package by the posted deadline. Incomplete or noncompliant applications will not be considered. For award amounts, application forms, or questions about eligibility, contact the Georgia Nurses Foundation directly.
- Assemble transcripts, dean’s accreditation letter, two recommendations, proof of residency, and any license documentation required by the scholarship.
- Confirm deadlines and award details on the GNF website before applying.
- Contact GNF with questions about application requirements or award amounts.