Wisconsin Association of School Nurses (WASN): Educational Advancement Awards
This award is part of the WASN commitment to advancing the education of school nurses. Two $1000 scholarships will
be awarded annually.
Purpose: Intended to improve school nursing by assisting RNs employed in schools to advance their education.
Applicant Requirements
1) Current and Active membership status in WASN for at least the past two years
2) Current license as registered nurse in State of Wisconsin
3) Current employment as a school nurse in the State of Wisconsin
4) Registered Nurse with a desire to complete a higher degree that would benefit applicants work as a school nurse
5) All members of WASN are eligible for the award, although applicants may not be part of the selection committee.
6) Only complete applications will be accepted and reviewed.
Applicant Responsibilities
1) Submit a copy of current RN license with the completed application
3) Submit written verification of current employment as a school nurse
4) Submit your essay and completed application to: Cindy Vandenberg, cvandenberg@kimberly.k12.wi.us
5) Award must be returned upon failure to attend coursework planned
Judging
1) Scholarship essays and applications will be reviewed based on the Essay Grading Rubric.
2) The Scholarships will only be presented to candidates who meet the established criteria.
3) The Scholarships will not be awarded if a qualified candidate is not identified.
4) The decision of the committee will be final and not open to appeal.
Award
1) Two (2) $1,000.00 scholarships will be announced annually.
2) Preference is given to new applicants however, previous scholarship recipients are encouraged to apply.
3) All applicants will be notified of review committee’s decision by the WASN President (or designee) within 60 days
of application deadline.
4) Recipient must complete and return the WASN Scholarship Recipient Form (sent with award notification).
3) The scholarship check will be sent to the recipients’ educational institutions on their behalf.
4) Recipient's name will be published in the WASN Newsletter.
5) Recipient(s) will be recognized at the next annual WASN conference and will receive a $50 discount towards that
conference registration.
Application Deadline - No later than June 15 of application year
Topic: Describe the role of the school nurse in your current job position and explain how working towards a higher
degree will help you expand or improve your role, as well as your desired professional goals. (400 words or less)
Essay grading rubric: Essay should be typed and double-spaced
25 pts Written expression (language, spelling, grammar, self-expression, brief and concise response)
25 pts Identifies the Standards of Professional Performance related to the applicant’s educational and
professional goals and explains why (reference School Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice)
25 pts Professional goals (goals align with improving the health of children, completion of further education,
involvement with professional organizations)
25 pts Personal impact and how the school nurse will use this experience to make an impact or benefit other
school nurses and the profession.
WASN Scholarship Application
Please include with this application:
A copy of your current State of Wisconsin RN license
Written verification of current employment as a school nurse
Only complete applications received by June 15th will be accepted and reviewed.
Step 1:
Name: ____________________________________ Years in School Nursing: _____________________
Phone number: _____________________________ Email address: ____________________________
Home Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Have you been an Active member of WASN for at least the past two years:
YES
NO
WI School District where you are currently employed as a school nurse: ______________________
Your current degree in nursing: ________________________________________________________
The degree you are seeking: ___________________________________________________________
Are you currently enrolled in a college/university to further your degree?
YES
NO
Name of college/university you are enrolled in: ___________________________________________
Step 2:
The following information may be used to assist the committee in making a decision of award if
several applicants are tied for essay rubric points below:
What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment as a school nurse:
Step 3: Essay should be typed and double-spaced
Topic: On a separate page describe the role of the school nurse in your current job position and explain how
working towards a higher degree will help you expand or improve your role, as well as your desired
professional goals. (400 words or less)
Essay grading rubric:
25 pts Written expression (language, spelling, grammar, self-expression, brief and concise response)
25 pts Identifies the Standards of Professional Performance related to the applicant’s educational and
professional goals and explains why. (reference School Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice)
25 pts Professional goals (goals align with improving the health of children, completion of further education,
involvement with professional organizations)
25 pts Personal impact and how the school nurse will use this experience to make an impact or benefit other
school nurses and the profession.
Submit completed application to: Cindy Vandenberg, cvandenberg@kimberly.k12.wi.us
WASN Scholarship: Grading Rubric Work Sheet
Name: __________________________________________________ Date Received: _____________________
Applicant Requirements/Responsibilities
Meets
Criteria
Item
Current and Active membership status in WASN for at least the past two years
Copy of current license as registered nurse in State of Wisconsin
Submit written verification of current employment as a school nurse in Wisconsin
Registered Nurse with a desire to complete a higher degree
Application page submitted by June 15 of application year
Essay submitted by June 15 of application year
Application complete
Essay Grading Rubric
Points (0-25)
Criteria
Written expression (language, spelling, grammar, self-expression, brief and concise response)
Identifies the Standards of Professional Performance related to the applicant’s educational
and professional goals and explains why.
Professional goals (goals align with improving the health of children, completion of further
education, involvement with professional organizations)
Personal impact and how the school nurse will use this experience to make an impact or
benefit other school nurses and the profession.
Total