Leadership and Educational Advancement Program in Nursing (LEAPN)
The Leadership and Educational Advancement Program in Nursing, or LEAPN, is a program to support Atlanta-area community college students as they complete their associate’s degree in nursing. Through stipend-funded summer research experiences and scholarship dollars, LEAPN offers students the opportunity to explore the dynamic and exciting field of nursing research and forge a path to their research career. The Program is modeled after and expands the previously funded Bridges to Baccalaureate program. This new program, generously funded by the Bedford Falls Foundation aims to advance nursing research and career growth for nursing students in Georgia.
Through the LEAPN Program, you will:
- Gain Valuable Research Experience
- Receive guidance from mentors in the research field
- Advance your career and grow Georgia’s Nursing workforce
Meet the LEAPN Team
Program Overview
- Two Summer research intensives with paid stipends
- Work 1-to-1 with Emory nursing faculty and in groups. Follow your interests and learn the basics of research. You’ll gain excellent experience for your PhD application, should you apply!
- Summer 2026: 8-week intensive | Stipend: $6,700
- Graduate from your Associate’s Program
- Summer 2027: 4-week Intensive | Stipend: $3,350
- Fall: Begin your two-semester bachelor’s degree with full tuition support
- Full tuition coverage and a stipend for those who are accepted into the PhD Program
At a Glance
The LEAPN program will support 20 high-achieving students as they complete their associate’s degree of nursing at their community/technical colleges and then continue baccalaureate and potentially doctoral studies at Emory.
Application
To be considered for the program, you will:
- Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Write a personal statement of 500 words or fewer stating your interest in the program, including any research experience or interests. Experience is not required, however. You can write about anything relevant that makes this program make sense for you and your interests.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from professors, clinical instructors, or other supervisors.
- Application to Emory School of Nursing - $50
- Provide transcripts upon completion of your Associate’s degree
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Spring 2026. Attend Emory School of Nursing presentations at your school to learn more about research and meet possible mentors!
What is the timeline of this program?
(First-year Associate's students) Apply to LEAPN Program, Spring 2026 → 1st Summer Research Intensive, Summer 2026 → (Second-year Associate’s students) Apply to Emory SON & Graduate, Spring 2027 → 2nd Summer Research Intensive, Summer 2027 → Begin Bachelor’s program, Fall 2027 → Graduate with BSN, Spring 2028 → Apply for PhD Program
Will my tuition be covered for the Bachelor’s Program?
Yes, you will receive full tuition support for two semesters as you complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
What can I expect to pay for during my Bachelor’s program?
When applying to Emory, there is a $50 application fee. During your two-semester BSN program, expect to cover your supplies, textbooks, and required fees, like insurance, if you don’t have it.
What is a research stipend?
To better ensure you’re equipped to fully participate and learn from your summer research experiences, Emory SON will pay you a stipend of $6,700 for the first summer session, which is 8 weeks. Stipends will be paid in two installments.
The second summer research program will be 4 weeks, so you will receive a stipend of $3,350.
Why should I consider Nursing Research and getting my PhD?
Less than 2% of the Nursing workforce have PhDs. Nursing research is a diverse and broad field, where you can study what you are interested in and passionate about. As Dr. Chicas says, ‘when you’re a nurse researcher, the whole population you work with becomes your patient’. You may find that you want to work beyond the bedside, and having your PhD opens up a world of possibilities for your career.
What does a PhD Program cost?
If you are selected as a PhD candidate, you will receive a stipend and your tuition will be covered.
Our Partners
- Emory Nell Hodgson Woodworth School of Nursing
- Bedford Fall Foundation
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