Awards & Scholarships

Promotes a positive image of nursing and recognizes a significant contribution to the public through community health projects, legislative activism, and health promotion. Encourages students to involve the media during projects and events through print, video, television, internet, or radio.

Recognizes a chapter that has advanced the profession of nursing through its legislative directors or committees, advocating for nursing students or nurses. Note whether your chapter attended GNA Legislative Day and any projects supporting the profession.

Create a document highlighting your chapter’s efforts in an organized manner.

Established in honor of Emily McNelly, who founded the Student Nurses Association in Georgia (now GANS). Recognizes the member who best exemplifies leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and a passion for the art of nursing. Each chapter may submit only one candidate. Applicants must be full-time ADN or BSN students in Georgia, active in NSNA and GANS, and cannot be a sitting GANS board member. A resume and a faculty letter of recommendation are required.

Presented to the most impactful resolution written this year.

Recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations that have made significant contributions toward fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and equity is promoted.

Given to the chapter that has demonstrated excellence in developing and meeting financial goals, maintaining a balanced budget, and increasing revenues and fundraising.

Recognizes the chapter that impacts the community and the profession through a successful Breakthrough to Nursing (BTN) project promoting diversity in nursing, especially to underrepresented populations, with an emphasis on mentorship.

Recognizes an effective, informative, and eye-catching website or social media presence that helps students across the state find and learn about their chapter.

Each district honors a chapter for its continued excellence. All chapters are encouraged to apply and are evaluated individually, with consideration for membership involvement in GANS and NSNA conventions, leadership, and community service. Submissions are also considered for the Overall Chapter of the Year Award.

Presented to a pre-nursing student who shows a profound interest in nursing and in helping their community.

An ambassador represents their country or organization. This award is given to the individual or group that has made a significant impact on the nursing profession.

Recognizes chapters who find time to give back to their community. Projects considered should promote health and well-being, include nursing student involvement, and have a positive impact on the local, state, or national community. This award recognizes those that go above and beyond to give back.

Recognizes an outstanding school chapter advisor who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to supporting nursing students and advancing their chapter's mission. This award honors an advisor who serves as a mentor, advocate, and role model — fostering student growth, professional development, and chapter success.

Eligibility: Nominee must serve as the official faculty advisor for a GANS-affiliated school chapter during the current academic year.

Awarded to a male member of GANS. Karl Lipinski was President of GANS in 1999–2000 and wished to establish this scholarship to encourage men to enter nursing; with his death in 2001, its creation was delayed. The GANS Executive Board of 2002–2003 named this scholarship in his honor.

Eligibility: The applicant must be enrolled in an ADN or BSN program in Georgia and be a current member in good standing of NSNA and GANS, but CANNOT be a sitting GANS board member. Active participation should be exhibited in NSNA and GANS activities, community service, and present and future planning for student nursing. The applicant must have a 3.0 GPA and attach an official school transcript, plus a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, chapter advisor, or Dean from the applicant's school of nursing.

A humanitarian actively engages in promoting human welfare and social reform. Centurion's motto — "Healthcare beyond patient care, healthcare for humanity" — aligns with GANS's goals. GANS has partnered with Centurion to award a $500 scholarship to a student who has made strides in improving their community's access to healthcare.

Recognizes any person — student, faculty, or otherwise — who is not an SNA advisor and has demonstrated exceptional commitment and effectiveness in mentoring Georgia nursing students. GANS would like to highlight role models, inspire future mentors, and acknowledge excellence.