WEST DES MOINES — The Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA) Foundation is offering 77 scholarships to help individuals interested in pursuing or advancing their career in long-term care. Applications are open now through May 31 for current long-term care employees seeking to advance their health care or leadership skills, as well as high school seniors who are pursuing an education in health care.

“As Iowa’s senior population continues to grow, and with the increasing need for compassionate long-term care services, the IHCA Foundation remains committed to supporting the current and next generation of caregivers,” said IHCA Foundation Program Director Natalie Thompson. “Thanks to the generous support of our donors, the 2025 IHCA Foundation scholarship programs are here to help nurture and empower the next generation of dedicated individuals who will make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of those in need of care.”

Scholarship Offerings

The IHCA Foundation is now accepting applications for the following scholarships:
• MolinaCares High School Scholarship Program- This $2,000 scholarship, made possible by The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation (MolinaCares), is for Iowa high school seniors who are in their senior year during the 2024-2025 academic year. This scholarship covers tuition fees to pursue a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN) or Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program for the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship is intended for those interested in a future career in long-term care. A total of nine scholarships are available.
• Iowa Total Care Leadership Training Scholarship Program– This $1,500 scholarship, made possible by Iowa Total Care, is for leaders at IHCA member organizations who are accepted into or planning to enroll in the 2025-2026 IHCA Executive Health Care Leadership Institute. This program is specially designed for leaders who work in long-term care and includes the leadership fundamentals necessary to lead others and the specific technical skills in demand in long-term care settings. A total of nine scholarships are available.
• IHCA Member Employee Scholarship Program – This $1,500 scholarship is for employees of IHCA member organizations who are pursuing a nursing, health care administration or a physical or occupational training program. This scholarship is made possible IPALTC, Nurse Connect, ICAP, IHCA Districts, Assured Partners, BCG, Blue Stone Therapy, Consonus Pharmacy, Lee Agency, Martin Bros., McKesson, NuCara Pharmacy
and Home Medical, Right Dose Pharmacy and Provider Partners. A total of 34 scholarships are available.
• Care Initiatives Director of Nursing (DON) Leadership Scholarship Program-This scholarship, made possible by Care Initiatives, is for DONs, assistant directors of nursing (ADONs) or RNs who are employed by an IHCA member facility and are interested in pursuing the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) Director of Nursing Services – Certified (DNS-CT) program, a DON certification program held virtually Dec. 1-4, 2025. A total of six scholarships are available.
• Care Initiatives New DON Scholarship Program – This scholarship, made possible by Care Initiatives, is made for new DONs who are employed by an IHCA member facility and are interested in attending the DON Fundamentals – A Playbook for New Nurse Leaders program held on Sept. 9-10. This scholarship provides a great opportunity for new DONs to learn, grow and connect with others in the same role. A total of ten scholarships are available.
• John W. & Kimberly D. Grubb Registered Nurse (RN) Scholarship Program– This scholarship, made possible by the John R. and Zelda Z. Grubb Charitable Foundation, is for employees of IHCA member organizations who are pursuing an accredited RN degree and interested in continuing their nursing career in long- term care. One $3,000 scholarship and eight $2,000 scholarships are available.

How to Apply

Eligibility requirements, application guidelines and materials are available online at iowahealthcare.org/ foundation. Completed applications are due by May 31. Winners will be announced in July.