NELP awards will be made available, to the extent of appropriated funds, to persons seeking a Ph.D. or DNP degree in nursing at one Mississippi institution of higher learning in exchange for employment in professional nursing or teaching in an accredited school of nursing in the State of Mississippi. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis, as funding is available. However, priority is given to eligible renewal applicants. Applicants must be a legal resident of the State of Mississippi for one year prior to application. Currently, approved programs are offered at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (Ph.D. and DNP), University of Southern Mississippi (Ph.D. and DNP), William Carey University (Ph.D. only), Mississippi University for Women (DNP only), and Delta State University (DNP only). Applicants must hold a current, valid Mississippi nursing license; and must not be currently in default or delinquent on any federal, state, or local educational loan. New applicants must submit an official letter of acceptance from an accredited nursing school, showing full admission, date admitted and entering classification. New applicants and some renewal applicants with a break in enrollment will be required to submit two forms of residency documentation. Preferred residency documents are FAFSA and Mississippi driver's license. Alternate residency documents that may be accepted are State Tax Return (not Federal) for the current tax filing year, homestead exemption, voter registration, and vehicle registration. The application deadline is March 31; and the submission of documents deadline is June 30. Please visit the award's website or contact the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.