Et cetera : IHCA Foundation to award health care scholarships

IHCA Foundation to award health care scholarships for long-term care employees and high school seniors
32 scholarships now available; applications due May 31

The Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) Foundation is offering 32 scholarships to help individuals interested in pursuing or advancing their career in long-term care. Applications are open now through May 31 for current long-term care employees seeking to advance their health care or leadership skills, as well as high school seniors who are pursuing an education in health care. 

"As Iowa's senior population continues to grow, and with the increasing need for compassionate long-term care services, the IHCA Foundation remains committed to supporting the current and next generation of caregivers," said IHCA Foundation Program Director Natalie Thompson. "Thanks to the generous support of our donors, the 2026 IHCA Foundation scholarship programs are here to help nurture and empower the next generation of dedicated individuals who will make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of those in need of care."

Scholarship offerings
The IHCA Foundation is now accepting applications for the following scholarships:

* MolinaCares High School Scholarship Program - These $2,000 scholarships, made possible by The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation (MolinaCares), are for Iowa high school seniors who are in their senior year during the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship covers tuition fees to pursue a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN) or Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program for the 2026-2027 academic year. These scholarships are intended for those interested in a future career in long-term care. A total of nine scholarships are available.

* Iowa Total Care Long-Term Care Workforce Scholarship Program - These $1,500 scholarships are available to employees of member organizations who are pursuing an undergraduate or advanced degree in nursing, health care administration, physical, occupational or speech therapy, social services or another long-term care-related field of study. These scholarships are intended to support individuals who plan to continue or advance their careers in long-term care. A total of nine scholarships are available.

* Care Initiatives Director of Nursing (DON) Leadership Scholarship Program - These scholarships, made possible by Care Initiatives, are for DONs, assistant directors of nursing (ADONs) or RNs who are employed by an IHCA member facility and are interested in pursuing the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) Director of Nursing Services - Certified (DNS-CT) program, a DON certification program held in December 2026. A total of seven scholarships are available.

* Care Initiatives New DON Scholarship Program - These scholarships, made possible by Care Initiatives, are made for new DONs who are employed by an IHCA member facility and are interested in attending the DON Fundamentals - A Playbook for New Nurse Leaders program held in October 2026. These scholarships provide a great opportunity for new DONs to learn, grow and connect with others in the same role. A total of six scholarships are available.

* John W. & Kimberly D. Grubb RN Scholarship Program - This scholarship, made possible by the John R. and Zelda Z. Grubb Charitable Foundation, is for an employee of an IHCA member organization who is pursuing an accredited RN degree and interested in continuing their nursing career in long-term care. One $3,000 scholarship is available. 

How to Apply 
Eligibility requirements, application guidelines and materials are available online at iowahealthcare.org/foundation. Completed applications are due by May 31. Winners will be announced in July.