KyANA Scholarships

KyANA sponsors two different AANA meetings each year to encourage student involvement in political issues that impact nurse anesthetists on both state and national levels.
  • AANA Mid-Year Assembly (April)
  • AANA Annual Congress (August)
Nurse anesthesia students interested in applying for a scholarship to one of the listed meetings must submit an online application. Sponsored students will attend the meeting as representatives of the state association. Each sponsored student may also submit a 500-word article and photo describing their experience at the meeting to be included in the KyANA Gasline Newsletter. Meeting expenses up to the maximum limit can be submitted for reimbursement no later than 30 days after the meeting.  

SANDRA TUNAJEK SCHOLARSHIP

KyANA sponsors an annual scholarship for Kentucky residents through the AANA Foundation. The program provides assistance to students involved in nurse anesthesia programs and CRNAs enrolled in doctoral studies. The AANA Foundation manages the Sandra Tunajek Scholarship and selects the recipient. For more information, visit the AANA Foundation. 

Application criteria: The student must be a resident of Kentucky.

GARY JENKINS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – AANA MIDYEAR ASSEMBLY

Join us for an exceptional gathering of anesthesia professionals in Washington, DC, during the AANA Mid-Year Assembly, the largest advocacy event in our profession. The event will take place from April 24 to April 29, 2026. This is more than just a meeting; it is a pivotal moment for CRNAs and nurse anesthesiology residents to unite, amplify our collective voice, and advocate for the future of our profession.

The Mid-Year Assembly offers a hands-on opportunity to meet with lawmakers, advance strategies that support and protect CRNA practice, and connect with colleagues and leaders across the country who share a dedication to improving healthcare. KyANA values the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from a unified professional community. We remain committed to supporting our members through opportunities that create meaningful and lasting impact.

We are pleased to share that KyANA will award six scholarships for the 2026 AANA Mid-Year Assembly. Each scholarship will provide up to $2,000 in support. This scholarship honors the late Gary Jenkins, CRNA, and provides students with the opportunity to participate in federal advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill while developing their voice as future leaders in nurse anesthesia.

Applicants must provide a short essay of at least three paragraphs that outlines the benefits of attending the meeting. Applicants must also be anesthesia students who currently hold Kentucky residency.

Applications are accepted from students who meet the following three criteria
• Kentucky resident prior to CRNA school
• Kentucky RN license prior to CRNA school
• Clinical sites located within Kentucky

For additional event information, please visit the AANA Mid-Year Assembly page.

Submit your Gary Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Application

 

Donate to the Gary Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund

AANA ANNUAL CONGRESS SCHOLARSHIP

KyANA has taken a significant step to enhance the educational opportunities for our members by doubling the number of scholarships awarded to attend AANA's Annual Meeting. We are excited to offer four scholarships, reflecting our commitment to supporting our members' professional growth and development. 

Applicants:

  • must provide a short essay (minimum of 3 paragraphs) outlining the benefit of attending the meeting.
  • are accepted from any anesthesia student with a Kentucky residency.
  • are also accepted from any student meeting these 3 criteria:
    • - Kentucky residence prior to CRNA school
    • - Kentucky RN license prior to CRNA school
    • - Clinical sites within Kentucky

Awards are a maximum of $2,000.  The application process begins in early spring. The Leadership Identification Committee will carefully review and grade the essays submitted, and we will award scholarships to the four applicants with the highest scores. 

Applications will open in Spring 2026.