Celebrating the AAPACN Education Foundation 2026 Scholarship Recipients
For many, post-acute care isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Driven by a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of long-term care residents, these dedicated professionals often aspire to further their education to better serve their communities. The AAPACN Education Foundation turns these aspirations into reality by providing nursing scholarships that empower these selfless individuals to do more and be more.
Meet the recipients of the 2026 AAPACN Education Foundation Scholarships below and in this video.
Frontline Heroes in Post-Acute Care Scholarship
Brianna Woods, CNA
Indiana University–Indianapolis
Funded by AAPACN Board Member, Robin Hillier and RLH Consulting, the Frontline Heroes in Post-Acute Care Scholarship awards $4,000 to a CNA working in post-acute care and endeavoring to obtain an RN, BSN, or higher degree from an accredited nursing school. This year’s recipient, Brianna Woods, balances two roles – working night shifts at a long-term care facility and supporting patients in a behavioral health hospital – while pursuing her nursing degree. She is enrolled in the traditional BSN nursing program at Indiana University-Indianapolis and plans to continue working in post-acute care after graduation, focusing on rehabilitation and long-term mental health settings.
Lighting the Way for Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarship
Mildred Horn, LPN
Lower Colombia Community College
The Lighting the Way for Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarship awards $5,000 to an LPN/LVN working in post-acute and pursuing a BSN or higher degree from an accredited nursing school. Mildred Horn is this year’s recipient. She serves as both an MDS care coordinator and education leader within her skilled nursing facility. Horn is pursuing her LPN-to-BSN RN degree through Lower Columbia College and has a goal to eventually become a director of nursing, where she plans to foster a culture of compassionate, culturally responsive care and strong staff support.
Elevating Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarship
Teresa Clark, RN
Graceland University
The Elevating Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarship awards $3,000 to an RN working in post-acute care and endeavoring to obtain a BSN degree from an accredited nursing school. This year’s recipient is Teresa Clark who plays a key role in coordinating resident assessments and care planning within her facility while working closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure residents receive individualized, high-quality care. She is pursuing her BSN at Graceland University with the goal of expanding her leadership and clinical expertise in long-term care.
Advancing Nurse Leadership in Post-Acute Care Nursing Scholarship
Keeya Lewis, DNP, MSNEd, RN
Capella University
The Advancing Nurse Leadership in Post-Acute Care Scholarship awards $5,000 to an RN working in post-acute care and pursuing a BSN or higher degree from an accredited nursing school. This year’s recipient, Keeya Lewis, serves in multiple leadership roles in her long-term care facility, including MDS coordinator, care plan manager, and nurse manager, and she also assists with director of nursing responsibilities. She is pursuing a BSN and future MSN/FNP at Capella University and plans to continue advancing into clinical leadership roles in long-term care with the goal of improving care management and wound care services for residents.
Congratulations to the 2026 AAPACN Education Foundation Scholarship Recipients! Learn more about the scholarships available and meet past recipients. Applications for the 2027 scholarships will open in the fall.