The following serves as a resource list of scholarships/grants that may be available to lactation care providers. If you know of any similar programs that can be added to this list, please let us know by emailing info@uslca.org.
USLCA’s IBCLC® Scholarships
Description: USLCA’s IBCLC scholarship fund aids marginalized communities in their goal of becoming an IBCLC. As funds are available, USLCA will offer one breastfeeding education scholarship, provided by Lactation Education Resources, twice a year. This program will be run 100% on donated funds.
Frequency: twice a year
Eligibility: Open to anyone who supports USLCA’s mission.
Website: https://uslca.org/scholarship
USLCA Membership Grant
Description: USLCA membership grants are available for those who may need assistance covering a portion or all of their USLCA membership dues. USLCA members have generously donated to this fund to help ensure that everyone can access this valuable membership.
Frequency: once every three months
Eligibility: Open to anyone who supports USLCA’s mission.
Website: https://uslca.org/membership-grant
OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Lactation Training Program – Dick and Marilynn Whetsell Scholarship
Description: The OHSU-PSU SPH Lactation Training Program offers two scholarships each year to students enrolling in OHSU-PSU SPH Lactation Training Program. In this program students using Pathway 1, 2, or 3 can complete the required Lactation Education. Students can also complete the required 300 hours of clinical lactation experience through our Pathway 2 Lactation Practicum. Scholarship recipients will receive $1,000 or more each year to be used for tuition and exam fees.
Frequency: Once a year
Eligibility: Applicants must plan to enroll in or be enrolled in the OHSU-PSU SPH Lactation Training Program courses for the next academic year, complete the scholarship application, provide proof of meeting our prerequisite requirements and provide two letters of reference.
Website: https://ohsu-psu-sph.org/lactation/lactation-financial-aid-scholarships/
MILCC Scholarship and JoAnne W. Scott (JWS) Scholarship
Description: The MILCC Scholarship provides IBCLC candidates who have fully met all requirements to sit the exam the opportunity for full or partial financial assistance with the IBLCE examination fee, and full or partial financial assistance for recertifying IBCLCs who have fully met all requirements to recertify.
The JWS Scholarship is awarded once a year to an IBCLC Exam or Recertifying candidate from a mother-to-mother support group.
Frequency: once annually
Eligibility: Open to IBCLC candidates who:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Fully meet the requirements to sit for the IBCLE exam or:
- Fully meet the requirements to recertify by exam or:
- Will meet the requirements for recertification by CERPS
Priority is given to candidates who assist families with limited access to the services of an IBCLC. The number of applicants supported each year depends on the availability of funds.
Website: https://milcc.org/
Scholarships for IBLCE Exam sponsored by DLCA/DABA
Description: Dallas Lactation Consultant Association/Dallas Area Breastfeeding Alliance (DLCA/DABA) is offering scholarships for the full amount of the fee required to sit for the IBLCE exam (initial or recertification). Scholarships will be awarded to the applicants selected by the committee who have passed the exam.
Frequency: twice annually
Eligibility:
- Applicants selected by the committee who have passed the exam
- The full exam fee will be reimbursed to each of the scholarship awardees
- Selections will be based on applicants’ need and recommendations
Website: https://dallasbreastfeeding.org/scholarships
Various Scholarships and Grants sponsored by FLCA
Description: Florida Lactation Consultant Association (FLCA) offers a variety of scholarships and grants to current FLCA members:
- June Winfield Education Stipend
- IBCLC Day Celebration Grant
- World Breastfeeding Week Grant
- IBCLC Exam Scholarship
Website: http://flca.info/scholarships–grants-available.html
Various Scholarships and Grants sponsored by SELCA
Description: Southeastern Lactation Consultant Association (SELCA) offers a variety of scholarships:
- Membership Scholarships
- Annual Conference Registration Scholarship
- IBCLC Exam Scholarship
Website: http://selca.info/scholarships/
The San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation
Description: In partnership with UCSD Extension Lactation Education Program and Lactation Education Resources, the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation is pleased to offer a third round of lactation scholarship opportunities to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) individuals in San Diego County, Imperial County, Murrieta, and Temecula, California. Applicants may apply for academic scholarships, as well as support funds to pay for tuition, books, materials, exam fees and any additional expenses associated with becoming an IBCLC.
Scholarship Applications will be accepted between March 2nd and March 24th, 2023 and Awards will be announced by April 12th.
Website:http://www.sdbfcfoundation.org/scholarships
SW WA Healthy Families
Description: SW WA Healthy Families is excited to announce the April 2025 International Board-Certified Lactation Exam (IBCLE) scholarship. SW WA Healthy Families recognizes a lack of representation and diversity in the lactation field. To bring awareness and provide opportunities, we are offering a scholarship for reimbursement for the IBCLE exam for up to two qualifying applicants who are a part of or aim to serve *priority populations.
**Priority consideration will be given to BIPOC and LGBTQIA2+ candidates as well as those who plan to assist families with limited access to lactation services.
Priority Population Categories
- Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Groups
- Gender and Orientation Groups
- Disability, Neurodiversity, and Mental Health Groups
- Age and Life-Stage Groups
- Socio Economic and Legal Status Groups
Scholarship Criteria:
The scholarship will reimburse eligible applicants for the cost of the IBCLE after they have successfully applied and paid for the exam. To be considered, applicant must:
- Have plans to provide services in SW Washington or Portland Metro Area
- Can demonstrate financial need
- Will fully meet requirements to sit for IBCLE exam (1st time or recertification by April 2025)
Next Steps:
- Application Process: Submit your application by March 30, 2025
- Selection: All applications will be viewed by our IBLCE Scholarship committee
- Notification: We will contact the selected applicants by April 2025
