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“A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats.” ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

The Rising Tide Lactation Equity Scholarship

In alignment with our continued commitment to diversity, Lactation Education Resources is proud to announce our Rising Tide Lactation Equity Scholarship program, designed to increase the number of Black IBCLCs in the United States. We recognize that financial barriers represent one of the greatest obstacles to entry into the field. LER will remove that barrier for Rising Tide Scholarship awardees.
 

Rising Tide I

As part of our ongoing commitment to our Community Partner organizations, we will continue to provide annual scholarships to awardees selected by our Partner organizations.

This scholarship covers:
  • 95+ hours lactation training from LER
Note: RTI is administered by our Community Partner organizations.

Rising Tide II

Rising Tide II (RTII) is a scholarship for Black aspiring IBCLCs who have already completed their health sciences requirements or who are already enrolled in a program to do so.

RTII covers:
  • 95+ hours lactation training from LER
  • Clinical hours through LER
  • IBCLC test prep books
  • IBCLC exam fees

Rising Tide III

Rising Tide III (RTIII) is a scholarship for Black aspiring IBCLCs who have not yet begun accumulating health science coursework.

RTIII covers:
  • 95+ hours lactation training from LER
  • Clinical hours through LER
  • Health science coursework online
  • IBCLC test prep books
  • IBCLC exam fees

Apply for Rising Tide

Online applications are currently being accepted for Rising Tide II and Rising Tide III Lactation Equity Scholarships. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Identify as Black or African American
  • Reside and work in the United States
The deadline to apply for Rising Tide is July 22, 2024, 11:59pm Eastern. Winners will be announced during Black Breastfeeding Week, August 25-31, 2024.
Apply Now
 

Rising Tide FAQs

  • Q. Who is eligible for Rising Tide?

    A. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

    1. Be at least 18 years of age
    2. Identify as Black or African American
    3. Reside and work in the United States

  • Q. How do I apply?

    A. Follow this link to apply online for RTII and RTIII scholarships. (Recipients for Rising Tide I scholarships are chosen throughout the year by our Partner Organizations based on their own criteria.)

  • Q. What is the application deadline?

    A. July 22, 2024, 11:59pm Eastern.

  • Q. Can I apply for Rising Tide Tier I?

    A. No. RTI scholarships are given out throughout the year by our Partner Organizations. They choose their own awardees based on their own criteria. Applications are open only for RTII and RTIII.

  • Q. What is the difference between RTII and RT III?

    A. RTII and RTIII are identical scholarships, except that RTIII also covers the required health sciences coursework component.

    LER will cover the cost for aspirants who receive RTIII to complete the following courses online. Textbooks are included. Due to the number of components in the scholarship, we strongly recommend only enrolling in one course at a time.

    1. Introduction to Biology
    2. Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology
    3. Child Development
    4. Statistical Methods and Applications
    5. Nutritional Science
    6. Introduction to Psychology
    7. Introduction to Sociology
  • Q. What does the 95+ hours of lactation training from LER include?

    A. Lactation training from LER will include our Lactation Consultant

    Training Program Enriched PLUS the general education courses. Basic Life Support will be reimbursed.

  • Q. Will I be a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) when I finish taking the LER courses?

    A. Yes! After completing the LER coursework and passing the CBS exam (included with your coursework), you will be conferred the Certified reastfeeding Specialist.

  • Q. How will the clinical hours work?

    A. LER offers ways to complete clinical hours in both Pathway 1 and Pathway 3, via our Clinical Lactation Internship Program and the LER HOURS program. If you receive a scholarship, LER will help you determine which program is best for you.

  • Q. What test prep books will be covered?

    A. The cost of a comprehensive lactation consultant text will be covered. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation is the text for the 95+ hour course. Additional texts may be provided at LER’s discretion.

  • Q. What if I fail the exam the first time?

    A. All initial coursework and exam fees will be covered. Subsequent courses and exams will not be covered by this scholarship.

  • Q. How much time do I have to complete the program?

    A. According to the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, lactation education is accepted within five years prior to sitting the exam. We recommend that you plan your process to complete all exam prerequisites within a five year period.

  • Q. When will I be notified if I am awarded the scholarship?

    A. Scholarship awardees will be notified by August 31st at 11:59pm Eastern.

  • Q. What if I’m not ready yet? Can I apply next year?

    A. Currently, this program runs every other year. The next opportunity to apply will likely be in 2026. Follow this webpage for more information.

  • Q. Can I contact someone about Rising Tide?

    A. Yes! Please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


  • "The Rising Tide Scholarship has been such a blessing for me ... I love that LER provides this opportunity to help uplift the work of Black lactation professionals and those aspiring to become one. We need more professionals to help carry this work forward and provide culturally competent care."
    –Jasmine Creighton, 2022 Rising Tide Scholarship recipient

  • “The Rising Tide Scholarship provided me the opportunity to pursue becoming an IBCLC while reducing financial barriers and providing a supportive atmosphere to grow in."
    –Karissa (Fliehs) Nguyen, recipient of LER's Rising Tide Scholarship

  • "Receiving the Rising Tide Scholarship validated my academic and extracurricular achievements and bolstered my confidence. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences the Rising Tide Scholarship afforded me." 
    –Monét Kees, Rising Tide Scholarship recipient

  • "The Rising Tide Scholarship has been such a blessing for me ... I love that LER provides this opportunity to help uplift the work of Black lactation professionals and those aspiring to become one. We need more professionals to help carry this work forward and provide culturally competent care."
    –Jasmine Creighton, 2022 Rising Tide Scholarship recipient

  • “The Rising Tide Scholarship provided me the opportunity to pursue becoming an IBCLC while reducing financial barriers and providing a supportive atmosphere to grow in."
    –Karissa (Fliehs) Nguyen, recipient of LER's Rising Tide Scholarship

  • "Receiving the Rising Tide Scholarship validated my academic and extracurricular achievements and bolstered my confidence. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences the Rising Tide Scholarship afforded me." 
    –Monét Kees, Rising Tide Scholarship recipient

Contact Us

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