NURSING WORKFORCE INVESTMENT PROGRAM

 

ONWard Nursing Workforce Investment Program
The ONWard Nursing Workforce Investment Program, administered by the Mississippi Board of Nursing (MSBON), supports Mississippi residents pursuing nursing education within the state. This program provides needs-based scholarship funding to eligible accredited Mississippi schools of nursing. Approved schools are responsible for distributing awarded funds to eligible students enrolled in approved nursing programs.

Students keep reading to learn more about school eligibility, student criteria, and how ONWard scholarships support nursing students across Mississippi.

Nursing Students: Have You Asked Your School?
ONWard scholarship funds are awarded through participating Mississippi nursing schools. If you have not heard about this opportunity, contact your nursing school’s financial aid office, nursing program director, advisor, or instructor and ask: 

“Does our school participate in the ONWard Nursing Workforce Investment Program, and how can I be considered for scholarship funding?” 

Eligible Nursing Programs
Scholarship funds may support eligible students enrolled in approved nursing programs, including:

  • PN – Pre-Licensure Practical Nursing Program
  • ADN/ASN – Associate Degree in Nursing
  • BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • RN-to-BSN Program
  • MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
  • DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Ph.D. – Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Who Can Apply?
Accredited nursing schools that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:

  • Be an accredited nursing school located in Mississippi;
  • Have a primary campus located within the state;
  • Submit a complete Institution Scholarship Application / Scholarship Award Commitment Form by the established deadline;
  • Agree to comply with all ONWard reporting and accountability requirements;
  • Designate a school representative responsible for submissions and communications.

How Nursing Schools Apply
The nursing school must submit the Institution Scholarship Application / Scholarship Award Commitment Form by April 30, 2026. Only eligible nursing schools may submit the institutional application. 

Student Eligibility Criteria
Schools are responsible for awarding scholarship funds to eligible students by the designated deadlines.

An eligible student must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen;
  • Be a Mississippi resident;
  • Be enrolled in an accredited Mississippi nursing program;
  • Hold an unencumbered Mississippi nursing license, if already licensed;
  • Not receive funding that would result in an over-award when combined with ONWard funds;
  • Demonstrate financial need as defined in the scholarship criteria;
  • Meet any additional institutional requirements established by the nursing school.

Approval Process 
Once the institutional application is submitted, ONWard will review the completed application for eligibility and compliance.

If approved:

  • An award letter will be sent to the designated school representative;
  • ONWard will determine the scholarship allocation amount for each approved school;
  • The school must distribute funds to eligible students according to ONWard program requirements and institutional procedures;
  • The school and scholarship recipients must complete and submit all required reporting documents, including:
    • Accountability Book/Workbook
    • Scholarship Recipient Survey

Award Amount and Terms

  • Award amounts may vary each year based on available funding.
  • ONWard determines the scholarship allocation amount for each approved school.
  • ONWard will disburse awarded funds to eligible schools after application review and approval.
  • The total amount of funds distributed by each school to eligible students must equal the total amount awarded by ONWard.
  • One check per eligible school will be processed and mailed by certified mail to the designated school representative listed on the Institution Scholarship Application Form.
  • Schools are responsible for ensuring funds are awarded in accordance with ONWard criteria, institutional procedures, and applicable reporting requirements.

Recipient Survey Submission Deadlines 
Schools must submit the required Scholarship Recipient Survey documentation by the following deadlines:

  • December 2, 2026 — Fall disbursement
  • April 1, 2027 — Spring and summer disbursement

Important Information
Incomplete or late nursing school applications will not be reviewed.

Schools must ensure all scholarship funds are distributed accurately, appropriately, and in compliance with ONWard requirements. Failure to comply with program requirements may affect future eligibility.

Students interested in this scholarship opportunity should contact their nursing school directly for information about eligibility, internal deadlines, required documentation, and the school’s selection process.

Students Keep Reading!

Hear from scholarship recipients about how this support has impacted their nursing journey.

“This scholarship allows me to focus on my education instead of worrying about the financial burden.”
“Receiving this support helped me continue my nursing journey and move closer to becoming a registered nurse.”
“This scholarship came at a time of need and helped relieve financial stress while I pursued my nursing education.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working toward my dream of becoming a nurse.”
“This support reminds me that Mississippi is investing in future nurses and the healthcare workforce.”
“Because of this scholarship, I can stay focused on becoming a competent, compassionate, and well-prepared nurse.”
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Your pathway forward in nursing starts with ONWard!

Investing in Mississippi’s Future Nurses
The ONWard Nursing Workforce Investment Program is more than a scholarship program. It is an investment in students, nursing education, healthcare access, and the future of Mississippi’s nursing workforce. 

For questions or additional information regarding the ONWard Nursing Workforce Investment Program, please email: onw@msbn.ms.gov