Lactation Support Provider Diversity Scholarships

Funder: Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC) with support from United Methodist Health Ministry Fund and Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Geographic Scope: Kansas

Focus Areas:

• Supporting aspiring lactation support providers from underrepresented communities
• Increasing diversity in the lactation support provider field
• Addressing racial disparities in breastfeeding rates
• Building a diverse lactation support workforce
• Enabling culturally congruent care for diverse families

Eligibility:

• Target populations: Latinx, Black, and Indigenous individuals
• Must demonstrate commitment to supporting these communities
• Written statement required sharing vision and passion for helping diverse families
• Must be seeking to further education in the lactation field

Award Details:

• Total funding available: $8,000 per cycle
• Individual award amounts: Varies (8 scholars awarded in 2022)
• Geographic distribution: Awards made to scholars in Southwest Kansas (3), Kansas City (2), Topeka (2), and Wichita (1)

Background: The KBC awards scholarships to support aspiring Latinx, Black, and Indigenous lactation support providers. Program addresses the 9% gap in breastfeeding rates between communities of color and the state average. The KBC commits to supporting scholarship recipients in pursuit of their goals and seeks additional ways to contribute to equity in breastfeeding for all Kansans.

• Co-Executive Director: Jennie Toland, (620) 255-5344
• Email: jennie@ksbreastfeeding.org or info@ksbreastfeeding.org
• Address: 8101 College Blvd. Suite 100, Overland Park, KS 66210

Application Process

1. Submit Written Statement: Applicants provide a written statement sharing their:
   • Vision for helping diverse families
   • Passion for lactation support work
   • Commitment to supporting their communities
2. Demonstrate Commitment: Show dedication to supporting Latinx, Black, or Indigenous communities through:
   • Seeking education in the lactation field
   • Community involvement
   • Professional goals related to lactation support
3. Submit Application: Contact the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition with your written statement and application materials

Contact for Application:

• Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition
• Email: info@ksbreastfeeding.org or jennie@ksbreastfeeding.org
• Phone: (620) 255-5344
• Address: 8101 College Blvd. Suite 100, Overland Park, KS 66210

Note: Detailed application procedures and timeline should be requested directly from the KBC.