International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) educate, promote and serve breastfeeding families around the world. There are nearly 36,000 IBCLCs in 131 countries and territories, with many aspiring professionals seeking the IBCLC certification.
Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification (MILCC) helps them reach this goal through scholarships. The number of candidates we can help depends on the generous donations we receive from people like you. Donate today and join the MILCC Giving Circles!
The MILCC Scholarship
The MILCC Scholarship is awarded once a year to IBCLC Exam and Recertifying candidates. The main criteria for selection is financial need, and priority is given to candidates who serve a population lacking access to the specialized services of an IBCLC.
In the last five years, MILCC has awarded 397 scholarship recipients support totaling over $140,000. Applications are open June 1 – 30, 2023.
The JoAnne W. Scott (JWS) Scholarship
In honor of JoAnne W. Scott, the JWS Scholarship is awarded once a year to an IBCLC Exam or Recertifying candidate from a peer-to-peer support group.
Since 2010, the JWS Scholarship has been awarded to 14 mother-to-mother support counselors, with financial assistance totaling over $7,000. Applications are open June 1 – 30, 2023.
Dr. Clifton J. Kenon, Jr. Health Equity Scholarship
Established in 2020 by IBLCE, the Dr. Clifton J. Kenon, Jr. Health Equity Scholarship seeks to reduce health disparities through the certification of lactation professionals primarily serving African-American communities in the United States.
Each year for the next five years, this scholarship will provide funding for initial certification or recertification to a minimum of five lactation professionals who provide lactation care primarily to the African-American community. To maximise impact, priority will be given to those seeking to earn initial IBCLC certification.
The scholarship is named in honour of Dr. Clifton J. Kenon Jr., who played a key leadership role as a former Treasurer and Board member with IBLCE and is a subject matter expert in the diversity and inclusion field. An IBCLC since 2009, Dr. Kenon consistently demonstrates exemplary leadership and is an outstanding advocate on behalf of lactation.
The Dr. Clifton J. Kenon, Jr. Health Equity Scholarship application requires the submission of a brief essay and two letters of recommendation describing the candidate’s work providing lactation care to primarily African-American populations. It is strongly preferred that one letter come from a current IBCLC in good standing that is familiar with the candidate and their work, and one from an African-American family for whom the candidate has provided lactation support. Applications are open June 1 – 30, 2023.
Global Humanitarian Scholarship
It is unfortunate when an aspiring IBCLC has met all prerequisites and needs only to sit and pass the professional examination but is unable to do so due to an unforeseen crisis such as those occasioned by climate change, geopolitics, and natural disasters, which can have profound financial impact.
Established by IBLCE in 2022, the Global Humanitarian Scholarship seeks to support candidates affected by these humanitarian crises in completing the final crucial step on the journey towards the IBCLC credential. Applications are open June 1 – 30, 2023.
2023 Application Timeline for MILCC Scholarships!
The MILCC Board is pleased to announce the following application timeline for the 2023 MILCC Scholarship process:
- Applications for the MILCC Scholarship, the JWS Scholarship, and the CJK Scholarship, will be open from June 1 to June 30, 2023
- Those who are awarded scholarships will be able to use the funds toward the IBCLC application fee for one of the 2024 IBCLC examination administrations.
- IBCLCs who are awarded scholarships for recertification via CERPs will be able to use the funds toward recertification in 2024.
- Applicants will be notified by email both upon receipt of the application, and after determination of their result (in approximately 90 days).
- View our Key Dates here.
Please note that the IBCLC certification requirements are separate from the MILCC Scholarship program and are to be met at the time of application to the IBCLC examination or recertification.
Vision
That every family worldwide has access to culturally appropriate care from an IBCLC.
Mission
To remove financial barriers to accessing the IBCLC credential by fostering inclusiveness, promoting philanthropy, and increasing public awareness of the value of the IBCLC.
Pins and Service Bars
MILCC offers IBCLC logo pins and service bars as gifts and a thank you for being a friend of MILCC. All proceeds go directly to the MILCC Scholarship fund. Visit the Gifts page for order information.
Board of Directors​
Kelly Valceanu, DNP, CNM, IBCLC
Chair, Virginia, USA
Jarene Fleming, IBCLC
Treasurer, Virginia, USA
Brooke Gilliam, BSN, RN, IBCLC
IBLCE Representative, North Carolina, USA
Shereen Mahmoud, MSc., IBCLC
Board Member, Egypt
Sara Blair Lake, J.D., CAE
Board Member and IBLCE CEO, Virginia, USA, Ex-Officio