NYSNA Sector Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by New York State Nurses Association

Introduction
The Secor Scholarship Fund was created in 2007 through a generous bequest from long-time NYSNA member Jane Secor, PhD, RN, with the express purpose of supporting nursing education.

Awards
Each year two Secor Scholarships of $5,000 apiece are offered:
- $5,000 for a current NYSNA member who is pursuing a baccalaureate or a higher nursing degree.
- $5,000 for a family member of a current NYSNA member who is working toward their first nursing degree (this may be at any academic level, but it must be the applicant’s first nursing degree).

A “family member” includes a spouse, domestic partner, dependent child, grandchild, niece, or nephew. Award payments are split: $2,500 is paid when the scholarship is granted; the remaining $2,500 is released after the recipient submits an official transcript for the first semester demonstrating at least a 3.4 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale). All applicants must be actively enrolled in their nursing program in the Fall of 2026. Candidates who graduate before Fall 2026 are not eligible.

Eligibility — General Restrictions
- An individual may receive Secor funding no more than twice in their lifetime.
- Applications are not automatically carried forward; applicants must reapply each cycle.
- Current members and family members of the NYSNA board of directors, the scholarship selection committee, and NYSNA staff are excluded from eligibility.

NYSNA Member Scholarship (for baccalaureate or higher)
Required eligibility
- Current NYSNA membership and intent to retain membership during the award period (exceptions for extenuating circumstances may be considered by the committee).
- Acceptance or enrollment in an accredited nursing program at a college or university that is active in Fall 2026.
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.4 (out of 4.0) at the institution where the applicant’s most recent degree was earned.

Required application materials
- Completed Secor Scholarship Application (NYSNA Member) and Reference Sheet.
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- Two references using the provided reference form; one reference must be from a registered professional nurse. The other reference may be from a professor, employer/supervisor, or colleague.
- A letter of acceptance or an enrollment verification from the institution confirming admission/enrollment in a nursing program for Fall 2026.
- Official transcripts from current and previous post-high-school institutions.
- An essay (typed, 12-point font, double-spaced) describing how you plan to contribute to the nursing profession and how the degree will support that goal. Length: minimum one page, maximum three pages.

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

Required application materials
- Completed Secor Scholarship Application (Family Member) and Reference Sheet.
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- Two references using the provided reference form (examples: guidance counselor, teacher, professor, employer, coach, community leader).
- A letter of acceptance or enrollment verification from the institution confirming admission/enrollment in a nursing program for Fall 2026.
- Official transcripts from prior education; if only high school was completed, submit the high school transcript.
- An essay (typed, 12-point font, double-spaced) describing a meaningful experience or reason that motivated the decision to pursue a nursing degree. Length: minimum one page, maximum three pages.

Application forms and the reference sheet are required for both award categories. Please refer to the Secor Scholarship application packet for the specific forms and submission instructions.