Governor Spanberger Announces Nearly $1.3 Million in Scholarships & Incentives for Nursing Students

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Spanberger today announced that the Virginia Nursing Workforce Center (VNWC) has awarded nearly $1.3 million in scholarships and incentives to nearly 350 prospective students across the Commonwealth. This funding will help grow and strengthen the nursing workforce by providing financial support to Virginians at different stages in their careers - from students completing their education to experienced clinicians helping train the next generation of nurses.

Earlier this year, Governor Spanberger signed bipartisan legislation as part of her Affordable Virginia Agenda - patroned by Senator L. Louise Lucas and Delegate Mark Downey - to create the VNWC and streamline grant funding that had not previously been reaching prospective students due to unnecessary red tape. The General Assembly has appropriated scholarship funds for students enrolled in nursing education programs since 1958, but under the prior Administration, this funding had not been fully utilized.

"Our nurses are the heart of Virginia's healthcare system - caring for patients, supporting families, and strengthening communities across our Commonwealth," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "At a time when the federal government is cutting funding and putting access to healthcare coverage at risk, Virginia is investing in our healthcare workforce and making sure our nurses have the support they need to care for Virginians. To the nurses who show up every day for their patients, our message is clear: We have your backs."

In 2025, Virginia faced a shortage of 17,000 registered nurses. Over the next decade, the Commonwealth expects demand to substantially outpace supply for Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses in particular. The VNWC works to ensure a qualified, sustainable, and diverse nursing workforce that meets the health needs of all Virginians by partnering with nursing schools and healthcare employers to expand training opportunities, support clinical education, and strengthen Virginia's nursing workforce.

At the same time, Virginia faces a growing shortage in its nursing workforce, Washington has added new barriers for aspiring nurses. President Donald Trump's so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill" created financing barriers for students pursuing advanced nursing degrees through new federal loan limits and phasing out Graduate PLUS loans. The U.S. Department of Education then implemented a rule that excluded graduate nursing from the higher "professional degree" loan limits.

"When there are not enough nurses, people feel it," said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa. "They wait longer. They travel farther. And the nurses who are already there are asked to carry even more. These scholarships and incentives are another way the Spanberger Administration is working to change that and help more Virginians get into nursing, stay in nursing, and train the next generation of nurses."

The VNWC builds on Governor Spanberger's work to protect Virginians' healthcare coverage from the devastating cuts in President Trump's so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill." In August, the Governor signed Executive Order 20 to strengthen the Commonwealth's response to cuts by laying out a plan to limit harm by preventing gaps in coverage, improving statewide coordination, keeping Virginia families safe and healthy, and prioritizing affordability.

VHWDA strengthens Virginia's healthcare workforce by expanding education and training opportunities and supporting the recruitment and retention of health professionals. Through workforce programs, financial incentives, and partnerships with educators and healthcare providers, VHWDA helps build pathways into health careers and address workforce shortages across the Commonwealth.

"The strong response to these programs shows the continued need to invest in Virginia's nursing workforce," said Dr. Yvette Dorsey, director of the Virginia Nursing Workforce Center. "We want nurses and nursing students to know that there are opportunities available to support them throughout their careers."

VNWC currently offers four nursing incentive opportunities:

• Nurse Preceptor Incentive Program (NPIP): Nursing students need experienced clinicians to provide hands-on training before entering the workforce. NPIP supports that need by offering financial incentives to eligible licensed clinicians who serve as preceptors for nursing students at approved Virginia schools. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 per semester based on the number of clinical hours. Learn more about NPIP, eligibility requirements, and how to apply here.
• Scholarships: The cost of nursing education can be a barrier for students entering or advancing in the profession. VNWC offers several scholarships to help offset those costs, with opportunities available for students at different stages of their nursing education. Available programs include Long-Term Care Scholarships, Mary Marshall Scholarships, Graduate Level Nursing Scholarships, and the School Nurse LPN-to-RN Scholarship. Learn more about available scholarships and how to apply here. Among these opportunities, Long-Term Care Scholarships provide up to $2,000 in financial support to nursing students interested in pursuing careers in long-term care. The scholarships help offset educational costs while encouraging more nurses to consider careers serving Virginians in long-term care settings.
• Loan Repayment: Educational debt can continue to affect nurses after they enter the workforce. VNWC offers loan repayment assistance for eligible Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) who commit to working in nursing in Virginia. Learn more about available awards and eligibility requirements here.
• Earn to Learn: Earn to Learn (ETL) is a two-year grant program that allows nursing students to earn income while completing required clinical training. The program brings educational institutions and healthcare providers together to create paid clinical experiences for students. In turn, providers have an opportunity to work with future nurses before they enter the workforce. Eligible partnerships can receive up to $400,000 over two years. Learn more about Earn to Learn or apply here.

Nursing students, practicing nurses, healthcare partners, and those interested in becoming a nurse can explore available resources and incentive opportunities here.