Nursing is one of the most trusted and in-demand professions in America, with career paths ranging from Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse and beyond. Imagine America Foundation offers scholarships to help students pay for nursing education at participating career colleges — whether you're starting with a vocational nursing certificate, bridging from LVN to RN, or completing your BSN.
Why Choose a Nursing Career?
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing hands-on patient care in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health settings. The profession offers something few careers can match: multiple entry points, a clear advancement ladder, and demand in every community in the country. You can become a Licensed Vocational or Practical Nurse in about a year, then build toward RN licensure and a bachelor's degree while working in the field.
- Start earning as an LVN/LPN in as little as 12 months
- Clear advancement ladder: LVN/LPN to RN to BSN, often while working
- Strong job security — healthcare needs nurses in every city and state
- Meaningful work with direct patient impact every day
- California and other partner-school states are among the highest-paying for nurses
Nursing Scholarship Opportunities
Imagine America Foundation provides scholarship funding to students pursuing nursing education at participating career colleges, including vocational nursing, practical nursing, registered nursing, LVN to RN bridge, and RN to BSN programs. Awards are available through the Imagine America High School Scholarship, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP), and the Military Award Program (MAP).
Scholarship Amount: $1,000 per award
Eligibility Requirements
- High school seniors nominated by their high school for the Imagine America Scholarship
- Adult learners qualifying for the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP)
- Active-duty, reservist, or honorably discharged military members through the Military Award Program (MAP)
- Enrollment at a participating career college offering nursing programs
How to Apply for Nursing Scholarships
- Create your free profile on the Imagine America portal
- Browse participating schools offering nursing programs — from LVN to RN to BSN
- Complete the scholarship application for your chosen school
- Work with the school's admissions team to finalize enrollment and apply your award
Nursing Career Outlook
Healthcare's staffing shortage keeps nurses at the top of nearly every in-demand occupation list. An aging population, rising rates of chronic disease, and waves of nurse retirements are driving sustained demand for LVNs, LPNs, and RNs alike — and employers increasingly fund continued education for nurses who want to advance.
Partner Schools Offering Nursing Training
Imagine America Foundation partners with accredited career colleges offering nursing training. Explore our partner schools:
Carrington College
Bakersfield, CA
Carrington College
Visalia, CA
High Desert Medical College
Bakersfield, CA
High Desert Medical College
Lancaster, CA
Integrity College of Health
Pasadena, CA
Carrington College
Boise, ID
Carrington College
Ontario, CA
Carrington College
Visalia, CA
High Desert Medical College
Lancaster, CA
Carrington College
Ontario, CA
Integrity College of Health
Pasadena, CA
High Desert Medical College
Lancaster, CA
Ready to Start Your Nursing Career?
Take the first step toward a rewarding career. Apply for scholarship funding and explore training programs at our partner schools.
Apply for Your Nursing ScholarshipFrequently Asked Questions
What types of nursing programs do scholarships cover?
Imagine America awards can be used at participating career colleges offering vocational nursing (LVN), practical nursing (LPN), registered nursing (ADN), LVN to RN bridge, and RN to BSN programs.
What's the difference between an LVN and an RN?
LVNs (called LPNs outside California and Texas) complete about 12 months of training and provide bedside care under RN supervision. RNs complete an associate or bachelor's degree, pass the NCLEX-RN, and take on assessment, care planning, and supervisory responsibilities — with significantly higher pay.
Can working adults get nursing scholarships?
Yes. The Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) provides $1,000 grants to qualifying adult learners attending participating career colleges — including career changers entering nursing.
Are there nursing scholarships for military members and veterans?
Yes. The Military Award Program (MAP) offers a $1,000 career education award to qualified active-duty, reservist, and honorably discharged or retired veterans, which can be combined with GI Bill benefits at participating schools.
