MLCA IBCLC Exam Scholarship
Congrats to MLCA’s Sept 2026 IBCLC Exam Scholarship Recipient:
Jocileia Lopes
About Jocileia in her own words:
My name is Jocileia Lopes, a 46-year-old mother of triplets whom I proudly breastfed for two years and five months. I graduated as a Speech Pathologist in Brazil in 2002 and have dedicated my career to breastfeeding support since 2004, working with low-income communities, leading educational programs, and contributing to initiatives such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. After moving to the United States in 2016, I continued my work as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at WIC and as a doula, earning my CLC and CBS credentials and remaining committed to supporting families with compassionate, evidence-based care.
September 2026 exam cycle (SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS CLOSED JUNE 15-Stay tuned for future scholarship awards!)
The Massachusetts Lactation Consultant Association is offering a scholarship to help an aspiring IBCLC cover the cost of the September 2026 IBLCE exam. This scholarship is one way we invest in the future of lactation care across the Commonwealth.
What’s Included
$695
IBLCE exam fee
1 year MLCA membership renewal with directory listing
Invitation
to join one of MLCA’s committees and network (optional)
Key Dates
Application Deadline
June 15, 2026
5 pm EST
Exam window
Sept 1–10, 2026
Who can apply
You must meet all four requirements.
1. MA resident and first-time exam candidate
You must be taking the September 2026 IBLCE exam for the first time (not recertifying by exam).
2. Already registered and paid for the exam
You'll need to provide proof of registration and payment with your application.
3. Current MLCA member
Not yet a member? Join at the student tier for $15 at masslca.org/membership.
4. Commitment to practice in MA
You intend to work with your IBCLC certification in Massachusetts for the next two years.
How to apply
Email your responses to mentorship@masslca.org
Deadline: Monday, June 15, 2026, 5:00 PM EST · 1,500-word maximum
Application questions
1. Tell us about yourself — your background, professional experience, training pathway, etc.
2. What made you decide to pursue your IBCLC?
3. Will IBCLC be your primary role, or will it complement another credential?
4. In what setting do you plan to provide lactation care after passing the exam?
5. Do you participate in community events or volunteer work? Please describe.
6. What challenges have you encountered while preparing to meet the IBLCE exam requirements?
7. What are your ideas for how MLCA can better support aspiring IBCLCs?
8. Which MLCA committee interests you, and why? (Optional — see descriptions below.)
MLCA Committees
Mentorship
Supports members in mentoring aspiring IBCLCs and connects mentees with a variety of mentorship opportunities.
Member support
Offers ongoing educational and social opportunities for networking and professional growth.
Communications & engagement
Connects with members via email, social media, newsletter, and website to share MLCA events and opportunities.
Access
Works to increase access to clinical lactation care for Massachusetts families by identifying and addressing barriers.
Want to Support Aspiring IBCLCs?
Not taking the exam yourself?
You can still make a difference by donating to MLCA's scholarship fund. Every contribution helps future lactation consultants get certified and serve Massachusetts families.
Questions? Reach out to the Mentorship Committee at mentorship@masslca.org