IBCLC Exam Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Washington State (King County residents prioritized)
Award Type: Scholarship covering examination and preparation fees

This opportunity grants two BIPOC community members the funds needed to cover the fees for preparing for and enrolling in the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Examination.

Eligibility Requirements

• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) status required
• Must reside in Washington State
• King County residents are prioritized
• Must participate in at least three Open Arms program offerings to be eligible for selection, including:
  • Dropping into a Lactation Lounge
  • Signing up for a Monthly Prenatal Lactation Class
  • Registering for a Childbirth Education class
  • Attending case study reviews and skill-building workshops

Award Details

• Number of Awards: 2 scholarships per cycle
• Coverage: Exam preparation fees and IBCLC Examination enrollment fees
• Support Provided: Awardees receive support from Open Arms' Lactation Support Clinical Lead and Community Education Lead during exam preparation period (May-September)

Application Timeline (2024-2025 Cycle)

• July 2024 - February 2025: Relationship Building phase (participate in 3+ programs)
• May 2025: Awardees Announced
• May 2025: IBCLC Exam Registration
• May-September 2025: Exam Preparation Support
• September 2025: Examination

Contact Information

• Phone: (206) 723-6868 or (206) 257-4146
• Website: openarmsps.org
• Social Media & Email Newsletter: Updates posted on social channels and email newsletter

Application Process

1. Relationship Building Phase (Required)
   • Participate in at least three (3) Open Arms program offerings to familiarize yourself with Open Arms programs and staff
   • Eligible activities include:
   • Drop-in Lactation Lounges
   • Monthly Prenatal Lactation Classes (2nd Thursday of each month, 10 a.m.)
   • Childbirth Education classes
   • Case study reviews and skill-building workshops
   • Register through Open Arms Event Calendar
2. Submit Application
   • Applications open in February 2025
   • Submit through the application link on their website (link: "Apply for IBCLC Exam Support")
   • Applications accepted on a rolling basis
3. Selection
   • Open Arms will review applications in May 2025
   • Two awardees will be announced
4. Post-Selection
   • Register for IBCLC Exam (May 2025)
   • Participate in exam preparation support (May-September 2025)
   • Take IBCLC Examination (September 2025)

Required Materials

• Evidence of participation in at least three Open Arms programs (attendance records)
• Completed application form (specific requirements TBD on application)

Contact for Questions

• Email or call Open Arms to join their contact list for program updates
• Phone: (206) 723-6868 or (206) 257-4146