Family Nurse Practitioner Students Receive AANP Scholarships

July 21, 2021 – Kristina Balandan (G’21) and Juliette Carr (G’21), students in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at the School of Nursing & Health Studies, are two of seventeen master’s-level students to receive scholarships from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. 

“Whether you are just starting your journey to becoming an NP or are seeking your DNP or PhD, these scholarships help you gain valuable advanced learning, maximize your professional development and become a trusted health care expert for your patients,” the association said. “AANP is proud to support the talented NPs and health care leaders of tomorrow.”

Scholarship awards are given in the amount of between $2,500 and $5,000.

Addressing ‘Systemic Inequity’

Balandan said this scholarship will support her education and aim “to improve the health equity for underserved people across the lifespan.”

“The value of this scholarship will certainly extend to all of my future patients as I go through this journey and transition to a full-fledged FNP in the next coming months,” she said.  

Balandan added, “As a student of NHS, I am educated to address systemic inequity and promote well-being for individuals, families, and communities with a special emphasis on those who are marginalized and underserved. The academic rigor and values of Georgetown University have truly shaped my career goals and core values.”

‘Deeply Heartening’

“Georgetown has successfully delivered what I desired in an FNP program — an opportunity to learn and serve within a supportive and inspiring environment alongside successful NPs,” Balandan said, highlighting the program’s “dedicated commitment to student success.”

Carr also noted that the program “has been excellent, and the fact that it is remote made it possible to stay in school when the pandemic hit.” 

“This generous scholarship will help alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on my family by increasing the affordability of the childcare necessary for me to continue graduate school during the pandemic,” Carr said. “It is deeply heartening to know that my professional organization acknowledges the unique challenges faced by working parents in this difficult time.”

(Visit a recent student spotlight about Carr’s studies and policy work.)

By Bill Cessato