Georgia Nurses Association Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Georgia Nurses Association
The Georgia Nurses Foundation provides academic scholarships to eligible candidates who are pursuing advanced nursing education.
Available awards (2025)
- Katherine Pope Scholarship — for students who are not yet licensed RNs and are working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Annie Lou Overton Scholarship — for licensed RNs pursuing a BSN.
- Sam and Irene Mazacoufa Undergraduate Scholarship — for students seeking a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
- Sam and Irene Mazacoufa Graduate Scholarship — for students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
- Kathryn Suggs Chance Leonard Scholarship — for students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
Katherine Pope Scholarship (2025)
Background
Katherine Pope devoted 45 years to nursing and was admired as a compassionate, selfless caregiver who put others first. She believed nursing was a calling that enabled service to country and community. This award honors her legacy by supporting future nursing leaders committed to excellence and community care.
Who is this for?
- Non-registered nurse students enrolled in a BSN program.
Eligibility and required documentation
- Enrollment in an accredited Georgia nursing program.
- Proof from the program dean or director confirming program accreditation.
- Completion of at least two nursing clinicals.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Georgia residency with a copy of current Georgia driver’s license.
- Official academic transcript sent directly from the current institution.
- Two recommendations from nursing faculty or a clinical supervisor.
Priority consideration
- Applicants intending to practice professional nursing in Georgia after graduation.
- Members of nursing student/professional associations (for example, Georgia Association of Nursing Students). Provide proof of membership (e.g., membership card).
Annie Lou Overton Scholarship (2025)
Background
Annie Lou Overton served as long-time executive director of the Georgia Nurses Association and left a legacy of support for strengthening the profession. She bequeathed funds to the Georgia Nurses Association to help nursing students achieve their educational goals and contribute to the field.
Who is this for?
- Licensed registered nurses pursuing a BSN.
Additional eligibility notes
- Members of the GNA and GNF boards are ineligible to apply.
Eligibility and required documentation
- Enrollment in an accredited Georgia nursing program.
- Proof from the program dean or director confirming program accreditation.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Georgia residency with a copy of current Georgia driver’s license.
- Copy of nursing license (license number).
- Official academic transcript sent directly from the current institution.
- Two recommendations from nursing faculty or a clinical supervisor.
Priority consideration
- Applicants who plan to practice professional nursing in Georgia after graduation.
- Members of nursing professional organizations (e.g., Georgia Nurses Association, Georgia Association of Nursing Students). Provide proof of membership.
Sam and Irene Mazacoufa Scholarship — Undergraduate (2025)
Background
Established in memory of Demetrius Mazacoufa’s parents, Sam and Irene, this scholarship recognizes their dedication to hard work and learning. The award continues Demetrius’ support of the Georgia Nurses Association and nursing education.
Who is this for?
- Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in nursing (BSN), including those who are not yet registered nurses.
Eligibility and required documentation
- Enrollment in an accredited Georgia nursing program.
- Proof from the program dean or director confirming program accreditation.
- Completion of at least two nursing clinicals.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Georgia residency with a copy of current Georgia driver’s license.
- Official academic transcript sent directly from the current institution.
- Two recommendations from nursing faculty or a clinical supervisor.
Priority consideration
- Applicants who intend to practice professional nursing in Georgia after graduation.
- Members of nursing student/professional associations (e.g., Georgia Association of Nursing Students). Provide proof of membership.
Sam and Irene Mazacoufa Scholarship — Graduate (2025)
Background
Also funded through Demetrius Mazacoufa’s bequest in honor of his parents, this award supports graduate-level nursing students enrolled in Georgia institutions.
Who is this for?
- Students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
Eligibility and required documentation
- Enrollment in an accredited Georgia master’s or doctoral nursing program.
- Proof from the program dean or director confirming program accreditation.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Georgia residency with a copy of current Georgia driver’s license.
- Copy of nursing license number, if applicable.
- Official academic transcript sent directly from the current institution.
- Two recommendations from nursing faculty or a clinical supervisor.
- Intention to practice professional nursing in Georgia after graduation.
- Membership in relevant nursing professional associations (e.g., Georgia Nurses Association, Georgia Association of Nursing Students) with proof of membership.
Priority consideration (reiterated)
- Preference will be given to applicants who plan to work as professional nurses in Georgia and who are members of nursing professional organizations (provide proof).
Kathryn Suggs Chance Leonard Scholarship (2025)
Background
Kathryn Suggs Chance Leonard, the youngest person to serve as president of the Georgia Nurses Association, overcame a lupus diagnosis at 16 to build an exemplary nursing career. She earned a doctorate in nursing, led graduate nursing programs, and was a tireless advocate for the advancement of nurses. This scholarship honors her lifelong dedication to nursing education and leadership.
Who is this for?
- Students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
Eligibility and required documentation
- Enrollment in an accredited Georgia master’s or doctoral nursing program.
- Proof from the program dean or director confirming program accreditation.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Georgia residency with a copy of current Georgia driver’s license.
- Copy of nursing license number, if applicable.
- Official academic transcript sent directly from the current institution.
- Two recommendations from nursing faculty or a clinical supervisor.
- Intention to practice professional nursing in Georgia after graduation.
- Membership in nursing professional associations (e.g., Georgia Nurses Association, Georgia Association of Nursing Students) with proof of membership.
If you’d like, I can format this for a webpage, application packet, or printable flyer, or create an eligibility checklist you can distribute to students.