Exceptional Nurse Scholarships

ExceptionalNurse.com began in 2001 as a grassroots effort to address the needs of nursing students and nurses with disabilities. The non-profit organization was created by Donna Maheady, Ed.D., APRN. Dr. Maheady is a pediatric nurse practitioner and nursing educator. She has taught nursing for over 40 years and worked with nursing students with a wide range of disabilities. Her doctoral dissertation addressed the experiences of nursing students with disabilities. Currently, she is an adjunct faculty member at Utica College. Dr. Maheady has a daughter who is diagnosed with HNRNPU, a de novo genetic mutation, which includes epilepsy, limited speech, intellectual disability, and autistic characteristics.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be students with a documented disability who have applied to or already been admitted to a college or university program on a full-time basis.

Checklist

• Completed and signed application form.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can personally attest to your academic abilities and personal character (these cannot be your relatives).
• Essay (approximately 1-2 pages).
• Official transcripts of high school/and or college courses completed.
• Medical Verification of Disability Form.