2026 NPN Hill Day Scholarship Application

2026 NPN Hill Day Scholarship Application
Purpose:

To advance the mission of the NICU Parent Network (NPN), the only US-based professional organization for NICU Parent Leaders who collectively represent the needs and best interests of all NICU families, NPN is offering travel scholarships to support families attending the 2026 NPN Hill Day. This event is a vital opportunity for NICU Parent Leaders to use their voices to inform and influence policy decisions that impact maternal-infant health and the NICU experience. NPN recognizes Hill Day as an essential avenue of advocacy and leadership development. Equitable access to participate in this kind of high-impact advocacy ensures that the diversity of our network is reflected in our national efforts.

Eligibility & Consideration:
Anyone can apply. NPN Membership is given priority consideration; however, all applications will be reviewed. Applicants and/or their organization/company should be affiliated in some way with a current NPN member. This affiliation could include a volunteer role, being a family that received support services from an NPN member organization, or another meaningful connection.

Financial Assistance:
Financial assistance for Hill Day attendance is based on financial need, with particular interest in supporting those who identify with marginalized communities.

For 2026, NPN will be able to offer two (2) scholarships, each providing up to $500 in reimbursement for travel expenses. Reimbursement will be provided directly to recipients once award conditions are met and as funds allow.

Registration for scholarship recipients is complimentary for scholarship awardees (valued at $150). Please note that a discounted room block is available at YOTEL Washington, DC at $219 per night plus taxes and fees. Advocates are responsible for covering their own hotel expenses.

What’s Included:
- Welcome Reception & State Delegation Meet-Up – Connect with fellow advocates from your state, divide roles for your meetings (story, stats, and the ask), and head into advocacy day ready to go
- Closing Reception – Celebrate your impact and build lasting connections
- Advocacy Training – Arrive prepared and confident to deliver your message
- Meeting Packets – Organized talking points and issue briefs, ready to go
- Printed Leave-Behinds – Professional materials that keep your message front and center
- Pre-Scheduled Meetings – We handle the logistics so you can focus on advocating
Timeline:

Application deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026

Recipients notified: Friday, April 17, 2026

Award Expectations:

Applicants must agree to advocate for House Resolution 236, Supporting a NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights, which is the cornerstone of NPN’s policy agenda.

Scholarship recipients are required to attend a mandatory virtual advocacy training on May 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.

Recipients are also required to attend the Welcome Reception and State Delegation Meeting on June 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM at YOTEL Washington, DC, and attend all assigned congressional meetings on June 11, 2026.

Post-Award Expectations:
Recipients are asked to submit a blog post or article about their experience for inclusion in the NPN Network News monthly newsletter.

Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed and signed online application form, including a current home mailing address and phone number. A current Form W-9 is also required. Payment will be provided in the form of a check.

Confidentiality:
NPN will keep all information submitted in the application confidential. Scholarship awardees may be announced on NPN’s social media platforms by name and image only, with prior approval from the recipient before publishing.

If you have any questions or need support with the application process, we’re here to help.

Applicant Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Which NPN Member Organization are you affiliated with?*
What is the relationship you have with the NPN Member Organization?*
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Our scholarship prioritizes individuals from historically marginalized or underrepresented communities. If you feel comfortable, please share how you identify (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, etc.).*
Upload your photo - this photo will be used on our social media post when we announce the scholarship recipients. If you prefer to remain anonymous and do not wish to share your photo that is okay!

high resolution png preferred
Cancelof
Upload current W9 here

Cancelof
Fillable W9 can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

Your Story
Briefly share your NICU or bereavement experience - 150 words max*

0/150
What motivates you to use your story and your voice to influence policy?*

0/250
What changes do you most want to see in maternal-infant health?*

0/250
What other advocacy events have you participated in? (This is not a requirement and completely okay if you have not. This will help us tailor your advocacy training.)*

0/250
To help us better understand your needs, please share any relevant details about your financial situation or circumstances that impact your ability to attend Hill Day without scholarship support. We recognize that financial need looks different for everyone, and all responses will be kept confidential and reviewed with care.*

Acknowledgments
I hereby affirm that all the above-stated information provided by me to the NICU Parent Network Leadership Scholarship Review Subcommittee is true, correct, and without forgery.
Signature*

Clear
Name*

First NameLast Name
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
I consent to allowing the use of my name and image uploaded in this form in the scholarship awardee announcement on NPN's social media channels.
Signature

Clear
Name

First NameLast Name
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
I hereby understand that if chosen as a scholarship winner, according to scholarship policy, I will submit a blog post/article to the NPN office within 30 days of Hill Day attendance detailing my experience. I understand payment of the $500 scholarship will only occur after attendance at Hill Day, unless alternative arrangements are agreed upon with NPN Executive Director, Keira Sorrells. I further understand it is my responsibility to make all travel and lodging arrangements unless otherwise discussed with NPN Executive Director, Keira Sorrells.
Signature*

Clear
Name*

First NameLast Name
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
YesNo
Should be Empty:

2026 NPN Hill Day Scholarship Application

Applicant Information

Your Story

Acknowledgments