Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification (MILCC)

What is MILCC?
MILCC stands for Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification. It is an international organisation that provides financial assistance to exam applicants who are seeking initial certification or IBCLCs seeking re-certification, by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). The number of candidates supported each year depends on the availability of funds, which come from donations and the sale of lapel pins. Assistance is available to candidates who demonstrate financial disadvantage, and priority is given to those who work with under-served or disadvantaged families.

What is the History of MILCC?
The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) profession came into existence in 1985. Within two years it was apparent that the exam fees caused financial obstacles for some candidates. In 1987, the Association for Lactation Consultant Certification (ALCC) was formed and awarded 2 scholarships to worthy candidates. As the lactation consultant profession grew in stature, the numbers of qualified candidates seeking certification and needing financial support increased. In response to the need, more scholarships were awarded. To better reflect its objectives, the organisation changed its name in 1997 to Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification. MILCC raises money, carefully invests funds, reviews scholarship requests and awards scholarships to worthy candidates. Criteria for selection is "financial need". Priority is given to candidates who serve a population lacking access to the specialised services of an IBCLC. Scholarship awards reached an all time high in 2007, with 94 candidates receiving support totaling over $29,000.

Who can apply for a MILCC Scholarship?
A MILCC Scholarship is available to a candidate who has met the qualifications to sit the exam or to recertify by CERPs. This scholarship provides partial or complete financial aid for exam fees. The MILCC scholarship, at this time, does not provide support for preparatory classes or transportation to the exam site. Consideration is given to candidates with financial need, and priority given to the candidate who assists women who have limited access to the services of an IBCLC. The number of scholarships awarded is dependent on available funds.
The interested candidate must submit financial statements and prepare a statement of request. The application deadline is January 31 of each year, for the annual exam held on the last Monday of July. The scholarship must be used in the year awarded. If you would like to download the application click here to go to the MILCC website for the application form.

N.B. The application closing date is 31 January

The JoAnne W. Scott Scholarship is available to a candidate who has met the qualifications to sit the exam and who is involved with direct "mother-to-mother support". This scholarship provides partial or complete financial aid for exam or recertification fees. The JWS scholarship can be used for transportation to the exam site. A counselling text will also be awarded. Consideration is given to candidates with financial need, and priority given to the candidate who assists women who have limited access to the services of an IBCLC. The number of scholarships awarded is dependent on available funds. The interested candidate must submit financial statements (see application) and prepare a statement of request. The application deadline is 31 January of each year, for the annual exam held on the last Monday of July. The scholarship must be used in the year awarded. If you would like to download the application form click here to go to the MILCC website for the application form.

Please Note: While MILCC tries to support as many applications as possible, not all applications will be able to be supported (fully or partially).