PONL 2026 Sharon Johnson Scholarship Application

PONL is pleased to offer the 6th Annual Sharon Johnson Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors the memory of long-standing PONL members and PONL Program and Education Committee participant Sharon Eileen Trimble Johnson. Sharon was a proud diploma graduate of The Bryn Mawr Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1968. She obtained her BSN from Penn State University in 1986 and her MSN from Villanova University in 1991. She loved nursing and mentored many nurses during her 54-year nursing career. Her life was devoted to love, caring, and giving. Sharon's support, compassion, and guidance played an instrumental role in the lives of many nurses.

The scholarship awards one registration ($525 value) for the 2026 Annual PONL Conference, scheduled for October 1-2, 2026, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. All are welcome to apply. In the spirit of Sharon and to highlight her values, attributes, and nursing experience, the scholarship will give preference to applications that serve in the specialties that Sharon held dear: home care/hospice, telehealth, community health programs, and performance/quality improvement.

Application Eligibility Criteria, Requirements, and Process:

Applicants must be PONL members in good standing throughout the review and award process (as of October 2, 2026). Should the applicant's PONL membership expire, the applicant will be removed from consideration for the scholarship.
Applications must represent your role and vision as a nurse leader.
Applications must be submitted no later than Sunday, August 2, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET.
Members of the PONL Program and Education Committee will review applications.
The scholarship awardee will be notified no later than August 15, 2026, to allow the awardee to make arrangements for conference attendance. If the awardee has already made payment for conference attendance, PONL will refund the payment.
This scholarship is non-transferable and only valid for the approved applicant. If needed, the PONL office will reserve a room for the winning applicant. The recipient is responsible for all personal travel and lodging expenses. For additional information or assistance, contact PONL Administration.

Applicant Name

First NameLast Name

Applicant Credentials

Applicant Email

example@example.com

Applicant Organization and Job Title

Are you a PONL member in good standing (active membership)?

Are you currently employed in any of the following areas? (Please select the area you are employed in. If none of these, please select "Other")

Your answers in the next sections should strongly represent your role and vision as a nurse leader.

Describe how your current role may be enhanced by receiving the Sharon Johnson Memorial Scholarship and attending the Annual PONL Nursing Leadership Conference.

Not to exceed 200 words0/200

Describe in detail how you contribute to quality and performance improvement in your role.

Not to exceed 200 words. Please note NA if not applicable to you.

Describe how receiving the Sharon Johnson Memorial Scholarship and attending the Annual PONL Nursing Leadership Conference would support your professional goals and career trajectory.

0/200

Thank you for your application. We hope to see you at the Conference, regardless of your application status!

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The scholarship awardee will be notified no later than August 17, 2026, to allow them to make conference attendance arrangements if they have not already done so. If the awardee has already paid for the conference attendance, PONL will refund the payment.