About the Scholarship

The Nevada Lactation Hub Scholarship Program is a collaborative effort between the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and both the Southern Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition (SNBC) and Northern Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition (NNBC) funded by the Nevada State Department of Health and Human Services through Grant #SG-2024-00407.

The scholarship program will increase and diversify the next generation of the lactation workforce in Nevada over the next two years. The lactation training scholarships will be provided in 5 cycles of scholarships over 2024-2026. The scholarship will provide funds for awardees based on their selected scholarship level. The scholarship levels are as follows:

Level 1: Peer Support

This scholarship is for those who do not want a credential in lactation, but want additional training in breast/chestfeeding to provide peer support.

Level 2: Mid-Level Lactation Support

This scholarship is for those who would like to obtain a credential in lactation to become a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), or Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS)

Level 3: IBCLC Track Scholarship. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

This scholarship is for those on track to become an IBCLC through IBLCE pathway 3. The application for this scholarship will be available from January 15 to February 15, 2025.

Who is Eligible to Apply

Who is Eligible to Apply for level 1 and level 2:

  • Must currently live in Nevada and have plans to reside in the state for the next 2 years. Applicants do not have to be a student at UNLV or UNR.
  • You may apply for different scholarship levels at different cycles.
  • Must be able to complete the course within 6 months
  • Undocumented applicants are welcome to apply

Who is Eligible to Apply for Level 3:

  • Have a full understanding of what the IBCLC credential entails and the full process of becoming an IBCLC. IBLCE pathway 3.
  • Have your 95+ hours of lactation-specific training completed before applying.
  • Be on Pathway 3 and understand the Pathway 3 requirements and time commitment .
  • Available at least 4-5 paid hours a week to complete in-person clinical experience and assignments. You will be paid for your weekly hours.
  • Willing to complete the requirements of being in a clinical setting upon start date (i.e. transportation to and from) and the cost associated (i.e. $100-$400). Such as receiving immunizations, background checks, fingerprinting, etc.
  • Engage and volunteer with the breastfeeding coalition throughout the year. Such as attending the monthly meetings, hosting support groups, and/or supporting events.
  • Complete an interview.
  • Be available to start paid hours starting May 1, 2025.

How is the Candidate Selected

The scholarship application will be open for one month.

In the application be prepared to describe your goals and experience, how you would use your training, and your commitment to inclusion.

A committee of UNLV SPH and Coalition board members and\or Chief Mentors will be assembled to review applicants.

Preferred candidates will have the following:

  • Should demonstrate a passion for increasing Nevada’s breast/chestfeeding rates.
  • Should demonstrate dedication to inclusiveness and anti-racism.
  • Should demonstrate a passion for working with under-resourced populations in Nevada.
  • Should be open to engaging in the Southern or Northern Nevada breast/chestfeeding support groups.
  • Should become a member of the Southern and Northern Nevada breastfeeding coalitions (membership fees will be waived).

How is the Scholarship Awarded

How the Scholarship is Awarded for Level 1 and Level 2:

  • The Awardees will provide information on the lactation training, which will be paid directly to the organization.
  • The Awardees will receive specialized support from the UNLV School of Public Health project coordinator to select and successfully complete the course within 6 months.

How the Scholarship is Awarded for Level 3:

  • The Awardees will receive specialized support from the UNLV School of Public Health project coordinator and the chief mentor to successfully complete the program within 12 months.

How to Apply for 2024-2026

How to Apply for 2024-2026 Level 1 and Level 2 Scholarships:

  • The second cycle of applications opens on January 1, 2025 and closes on February 1, 2025.
  • Applicants will be notified of whether or not they were selected by March 1, 2025.
  • Applicants must submit their completed application online.


How to Apply for 2024-2026 Level 3 Scholarships:

The selection process is as follows: 

Step 1. Application: Applications open from January 15 to February 15, 2025.
Step 2. Interview: Applicants will be notified on whether they were selected for the interview by March 15th 
Step 3.  Results: Applicants will be notified on whether they were selected by April 1, 2025. The level 3 program commitment begins May 1, 2025 


For more details about all levels of the  scholarship and how to apply, register to attend our information session on Wednesday, December 4, 2024  on Zoom. If you cannot attend, register for the info session and the recording will be sent to all registrants. 

Award Stipulations

Awardees must currently live in the state of Nevada and have plans to continue to live here for the next 2 years.

Recipients give UNLV the right to publish their name and use the applicant’s likeness in a photograph in any of its publications, including website entries, without payment or any other consideration. These materials will become the property of UNLV and will not be returned. Recipients grant UNLV the authority to edit, alter, copy, publish, or distribute this photo to publicize UNLV’s programs or for any other lawful purpose.

This program was supported by the Nevada State Department of Health and Human Services through Grant #SG-2024-00407. The contents are solely the authors' responsibility and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department.

If there are any questions please contact Rikki Jenkins at rikki.jenkins@unlv.edu.