Julie Aiken Hansen Nursing Scholarship
Western Governors University
The Dr. Julie A. Hansen Nursing Scholarship, created in partnership with Dell Loy Hansen and the Hansen Family Foundation, provides financial assistance to nursing students based on need rather than academic merit. This initiative is aimed at increasing access to nursing education for underserved students and addressing the nursing shortage in healthcare.

At a Glance:
In partnership with Western Governors University, The Dr. Julie A. Hansen Nursing Scholarship assists in allocating funds for student housing, nutrition, and other student necessities while attending school.
Why:
Julie Aiken Hansen has dedicated her life to nursing—as a clinician, educator, and advocate. With 30 years in the field and a deep understanding of the challenges nurses face, she believes that supporting future nurses is a powerful way to uplift the entire healthcare system.
As Julie says, “Nurses are the heart and soul of healthcare.”
She founded the scholarship in partnership with WGU to ease the financial burden on nursing students and ensure they are equipped—academically and practically—to succeed in a demanding and vital profession. This initiative reflects Julie’s lifelong passion for helping others and her commitment to shaping the future of nursing.
Data & Impact
- 300+ nursing students have received scholarships since 2022
- Covers both tuition and clinical expenses, helping students stay on track academically and financially
- On October 13, 2023, WGU opened a cutting-edge Nursing Simulation Lab, supported in part by the Foundation, with the capacity to train up to 3,000 nurses annually where students practice on life-size manikins in real-time scenarios
Our Partners
Dell Loy Hansen Family Foundation
Western Governros University
Michael O. Leavitt School of Health