Deborah E. Trautman Future Nurse Leader Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Association of Colleges of Nursing

History of the

Award Origin and sponsor

This scholarship and leadership program was established to honor Dr. Deborah Trautman, President and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The award is funded by Liaison International, AACN’s partner in NursingCAS, to support emerging leaders in academic nursing. Its purpose is both commemorative and practical: to recognize promising graduate students and provide a direct leadership learning opportunity with AACN leadership. Key takeaways - Created in honor of Dr. Deborah Trautman. - Funded by Liaison International (partner in NursingCAS). - Designed to support leadership development in academic nursing.

Description Program purpose and components

The scholarship recognizes graduate nursing students who aspire to leadership roles in academic nursing and pairs financial support with an experiential leadership opportunity. Recipients participate in a leadership development session led by Dr. Trautman at AACN’s headquarters in Washington, DC. The program combines recognition, mentorship, and real-world exposure to academic nursing leadership. Key takeaways - Honors graduate students pursuing academic leadership. - Includes an in-person leadership experience at AACN headquarters. - Combines scholarship support with mentorship and professional exposure.

Eligibility Who may apply

Applicants must be enrolled graduate students (master’s or doctoral) at AACN member schools that participate in NursingCAS. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to academic nursing and be in good academic standing. Applicants are also required to be members of AACN’s Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA), which has no membership fee. Key takeaways - Open to master’s and doctoral students at AACN member schools affiliated with NursingCAS. - Requires demonstrated commitment to academic nursing and current good standing. - GNSA membership is required (membership is free).

Award

Value Financial breakdown and award frequency

Each scholarship totals $3,500 and is intended to cover educational costs and expenses associated with the leadership experience. The award typically allocates $2,000 for educational expenses and up to $1,500 to offset travel costs for the leadership visit to Washington, DC. Two scholarships are awarded each year. Key takeaways - Total award: $3,500 per recipient. - $2,000 earmarked for educational expenses; up to $1,500 for travel. - Two scholarships awarded annually.

Leadership

Development

Experience What the leadership component involves

Recipients participate in a curated leadership development session with Dr. Trautman at AACN’s Washington, DC headquarters. The session offers direct mentorship, insight into academic nursing administration, and networking opportunities with AACN leadership. Participation in this experience is an integral program component. Key takeaways - In-person leadership session with Dr. Trautman at AACN HQ. - Focus on mentorship, administrative insight, and professional networking. - The experience is a required element of the program.

Application

Requirements Materials applicants must submit

Application materials include a concise essay (maximum 500 words) describing career achievements, aspiration for academic leadership, and your vision for academic nursing. Submit a CV or resume highlighting leadership-related milestones, a brief list (3–4 bullets) of goals for the leadership experience, and two letters of recommendation—one must be from your nursing school dean or director. Applicants must also provide a signed commitment statement agreeing to complete the leadership development component; failure to complete that component will forfeit the scholarship. Key takeaways - 500-word essay on achievements, leadership aspirations, and vision. - CV/resume and 3–4 bullet goals for the leadership experience. - Two recommendations (including dean/director) and a signed commitment statement.

Application

Timeline Deadlines and selection window

Applications close on October 1 each year. Applications are reviewed through the fall, and recipients are identified by November 30. Applicants should plan availability for the leadership experience after notification and confirm travel arrangements if selected. Key takeaways - Application deadline: October 1. - Recipients identified by November 30. - Plan to be available for the leadership experience after selection.