NYSNA Sector Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by New York State Nurses Association

Overview
The Secor Scholarship Fund was created in 2007 through a generous bequest from longtime NYSNA member Jane Secor, PhD, RN. Dr. Secor directed that the endowment be used to support nursing education.

Award Summary
Each year two Secor Scholarships of $5,000 each are given:
- $5,000 to a current NYSNA member who is pursuing a baccalaureate or higher nursing degree.
- $5,000 to a family member of a current NYSNA member who is pursuing a first nursing degree at any level (this must be the applicant’s first nursing credential).

A “family member” for the purposes of this award includes: spouse, domestic partner, dependent child, grandchild, niece, or nephew.

Payment schedule: Half of the award ($2,500) is paid when the scholarship is granted. The remaining $2,500 is released after the committee receives an official first-semester transcript showing a minimum 3.4 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Application deadline for the 2026 Secor Scholarship is July 10, 2026.

Important enrollment requirement
All applicants — both NYSNA members and qualifying family members — must be actively enrolled in their nursing program in Fall 2026. Applicants who graduate before Fall 2026 are not eligible.

General restrictions
- An individual may receive at most two Secor Scholarships over their lifetime.
- Applications are not carried over to the next year; candidates must reapply each cycle.
- Current NYSNA board members, members of the scholarship selection committee, NYSNA staff, and their family members are ineligible to receive a Secor Scholarship.

Application materials referenced
- Secor Scholarship Application: NYSNA Member
- Secor Scholarship Application: Family Member
- Secor Scholarship Reference Sheet

Scholarship for NYSNA Member (baccalaureate or higher)
Eligibility
- Current NYSNA membership is required.
- Must maintain NYSNA membership during the award period (exceptions considered only for extenuating circumstances).
- Acceptance to, or enrollment in, an accredited college or university nursing program that is active in Fall 2026.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale) in the most recent institution where the last degree was completed.

Required documents
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- Two references (use the Reference Sheet). One reference must be from a registered professional nurse; the second may be from a professor, employer/supervisor, or colleague.
- Letter of acceptance or enrollment from the college/university specifying enrollment in a nursing program for Fall 2026.
- Official transcripts from current and previous post–high school institutions.
- Essay (typed, 12-point font, double-spaced) of 1–3 pages explaining how you plan to contribute to the nursing profession and how the degree will enable that contribution.

Scholarship for Family Member of NYSNA Member (first nursing degree)
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a spouse, domestic partner, dependent child, grandchild, niece, or nephew of a current NYSNA member.
- Acceptance to, or enrollment in, an accredited nursing program that is active in Fall 2026.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last institution attended.
- If the applicant is in high school or has completed only high school, the applicant must show a high-school average equivalent to a 3.4 cumulative GPA.

Required documents
- Completed Scholarship Application / Reference Sheet.
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- Two references (use the Reference Sheet). Examples: guidance counselor, teacher, professor, employer, coach, or community leader.
- Letter of acceptance/enrollment verifying status in a nursing education program for Fall 2026.
- Official transcripts from prior education. High-school applicants should submit their high-school transcript; other applicants must submit official transcripts from current and previous institutions.
- Essay (typed, 12-point font, double-spaced) of 1–3 pages describing a meaningful experience or reason that motivated you to pursue a nursing degree.

Submission and review process
- Application deadline: July 10, 2026.
- Completed applications must be emailed to Secor@nysna.org.
- Official transcripts can be emailed to Secor@nysna.org or mailed to the address provided by NYSNA.

If you have questions about the application process or required materials, email Secor@nysna.org.