The American Association of Nurse Practitioners announced on July 8 the recipients of its 2026 Grants and Scholarships program, awarding a total of $155,000 in professional funding to 31 members. The awards include four grants and 27 scholarships.
According to the association, the grant program supports research projects, evidence-based practice and quality improvement projects, as well as patient and provider education. These initiatives align with the AANP Research agenda in areas such as nurse practitioner workforce, policy, education, practice, and history. The scholarship program provides financial support for those beginning their journey to become nurse practitioners or seeking advanced degrees such as Doctor of Nursing Practice or PhD.
“AANP is proud to invest in the future of the nurse practitioner profession,” said AANP President Valerie Fuller. “Whether supporting a student pursuing their dream of becoming an NP or helping an experienced clinician advance research and innovation, these grants and scholarships strengthen the future of health care. Congratulations to this year's recipients. Your dedication to improving patient care will have a lasting impact on communities across the country.”
Josue Juarez Campos, a 2026 scholarship recipient from Walden University in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said: “The professional value of the scholarship extends well beyond 'free money.' It is a testament to the AANP goal of empowering all nurse practitioners and NP students to advance accessible, person-centered, equitable and high-quality health care.”
Recipients included Brayden Kameg from University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing; Mary Peters from Family Health Services; Jason A. Saucier from Penn Medicine; James Sims from PeaceHealth Medical Group; along with multiple master’s degree candidates such as Carlvon M. Aquino (Purdue University Global) and doctoral candidates including Kiara Evans (Delta State University) among others across various states.
Deon Brown Jr., another scholarship recipient from University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, said: “The value of this scholarship, both personally and professionally, is truly immeasurable. It brings me one step closer to becoming a health care provider dedicated to serving underserved and overlooked communities — while raising two children and pursuing my career.”
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners represents over 461,000 licensed nurse practitioners in the United States.
