The Wait Is Over: Title VIII Funding Opportunities Are Now Open

As AACN continues to advocate for robust federal investments in nursing education and workforce development, several HRSA funding opportunities supported through the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs are now accepting applications. AACN encourages nursing students, recent graduates, and faculty from AACN member schools to explore these opportunities and share them with eligible colleagues:

• Nursing Workforce Development: Aims to increase nursing education opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Apply here by July 18.
   
• Nurse Faculty Loan Program: Seeks to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty nationwide by providing low-interest loans for students studying to be nurse faculty and loan cancelation for graduates who work as faculty. Apply here by July 10.
   
• Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention - Transition to Practice Program: Aims to increase the nursing workforce and address the nursing shortage in rural and medically underserved communities, by supporting innovative educational and clinical training opportunities. Apply here by July 17.

Sen. Sanders Champions Nursing Workforce Priorities During HELP Committee Markup

On June 17, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced several amendments during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee markup, including two proposals aimed at expanding nursing school faculty and repealing the Department of Education’s final rule related to federal student loan cuts. Although both of these amendments were tabled, and are not moving forward at this time, AACN is encouraged to see continued congressional attention to addressing the nursing faculty shortage and reducing barriers to nursing education. Click here to watch the hearing.

ICYMI: Resources as we near the July 1 Implementation of OB3A

As we near the July 1 deadline for the implementation of the Department of Education's final rule and One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3A), the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, has compiled helpful resources, including institution and student checklists, communications toolkits, and other documents designed to support schools as they navigate these changes. AACN continues to lead efforts to ensure nursing is designated as a professional degree.

Deadlines Fast Approaching: Share Your Insight Today

• 2 DAYS LEFT! Share Your Feedback on OMB’s Proposed Federal Financial Assistance Rule: As AACN works to respond to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed rule Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance, please send your comments, concerns, or questions to AACN’s Policy Assistant Ashley Morales (amorales@aacnnursing.org) by June 26.
   
• 8 DAYS LEFT! Help Shape AACN’s Federal Policy Agenda: AACN is seeking member feedback to help inform our 2027-2028 Federal Policy Agenda. Please review the current Federal Policy Agenda and share your suggested updates to AACN’s Government Affairs Coordinator Andrew Bryant (abryant@aacnnursing.org) by July 2.

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