How to Secure the Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

If you’re a nursing professional with a heart for serving underserved communities, the Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Program (LAL CCNP) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing could be your golden opportunity. This prestigious fellowship covers full tuition and provides living stipends for students who demonstrate financial need. Here’s everything you need to know about how to qualify, apply, and stand out for this incredible chance to become a transformational leader in primary care.

🎯 What Is the Leonard A. Lauder Community Care NP Program?

Launched in 2022 through a $125 million gift from Leonard A. Lauder, this initiative aims to reduce health disparities by training advanced practice nurses to serve medically underserved communities. The program supports students pursuing primary care nurse practitioner degrees and offers:

• Full tuition coverage
• Living stipends (based on need)
• Specialized community-based clinical training
• Supportive cohort-based learning
• Postgraduate career support
• A required two-year service commitment in an underserved area

📌 Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants must:

1. Apply and be admitted to one of Penn Nursing’s full-time primary care nurse practitioner programs, which include:
   • Family Nurse Practitioner
   • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
   • Pediatric Primary Care NP
   • Psychiatric Mental Health NP
   • Women’s Health/Gender-Related NP
   • Nurse-Midwifery
2. Show a strong, mission-driven commitment to practicing in underserved communities.
3. Demonstrate financial need (for stipend eligibility).

📝 Application Process

Here’s how to apply for the fellowship:

Step 1: Apply to Penn Nursing

You must first apply to the School of Nursing’s MSN or post-MSN NP program in one of the eligible tracks. Admissions are competitive, so make your academic background and personal mission clear.

Step 2: Complete the Fellowship Application

Once accepted into the NP program, you’ll be invited to apply for the Leonard A. Lauder Fellowship. This process includes:

• Additional essay questions
• A video interview (optional but highly encouraged)
• A review by the fellowship committee

Key deadlines typically fall between January and March, so apply early.

💰 Financial Support Details

All selected fellows receive:

• 100% tuition and fees covered
• Stipends for those demonstrating financial need (to support living expenses during the program)

This makes it one of the most generous NP fellowships in the U.S.

🩺 Clinical Training & Commitments

Fellows are embedded in community-based health care settings for over 50% of their clinical hours, including:

• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
• Rural and urban underserved clinics
• Public health agencies

After graduation, fellows are expected to serve in a full-time primary care role within an underserved community for at least two years.

🌱 Why This Program Stands Out

• Mission-driven: Focused on health equity and systemic change
• Debt-free: Covers all tuition and fees
• Real-world impact: Clinical experience is grounded in community practice
• Long-term support: Access to a growing alumni network and mentorship

✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Application

1. Highlight your mission: Be clear about why you want to serve underserved populations. Personal stories matter.
2. Get involved: Volunteer or work in community health settings prior to applying.
3. Secure strong recommendations: Especially from mentors who can attest to your dedication to service.
4. Ace the essays and video: Use the opportunity to tell your story and align with the fellowship’s goals.
5. Stay informed: Attend Penn Nursing info sessions and reach out with questions.

📍 Final Thoughts

The Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Fellowship is more than just financial aid—it’s a launchpad for leadership in equitable healthcare. If you’re ready to commit to making a difference and want to eliminate the financial burden of graduate school, this could be your path.