NASW Foundation National Programs
Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial
MSW Scholarship

Guidelines

One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded in the 2008 - 2009 academic year to a MSW student who has interest and/or demonstrated ability in health/mental health practice and a commitment to working in African American communities.

Students must be an NASW member and have applied to or have been accepted into an accredited MSW Program (payment of the award will be contingent on the full admission of the candidate into the program). In addition, students must have potential for completing a MSW Program and have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above. Students enrolled in a master of social work (MSW) program for more than one year may reapply to the Foundation for part or all of a second year.

Applications for the 2008-2009 fellowship and scholarship awards will be accepted January 7 - March 14, 2008. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on March 14th. Late applications will not be accepted. The package should consist of the original documents and four copies of the complete application package . Only complete applications will be reviewed. Appliction materials will not be returned. 

Application Requirements

Application materials MUST be submitted in the following order:

1. NASW member in good standing.  Please enclose a copy of your current NASW membership card. Awardee must remain a member in good standing throughout the award period.  If candidate is not yet eligible for membership, but will be, note this on the application. If selected, award is contingent upon full membership once eligible.  Membership eligibility inquiries may be directed to membership@naswdc.org or 202-408-8600, ext. 476
2. Application form.
3. Biographical essay (two typed, double-spaced pages). The essay must address career goals, interests, and work, volunteer, and school/field experience related to work in health/mental health practice with African Americans and a statement of merit and need for the award. Applicants will be rated on each of these elements.
4. Two letters of support from professional references.  Letters must be included with the application and can be written by a candidate's professors; individuals or leaders of groups with whom the candidate has worked in a helping capacity; an employer/supervisor; and so on.  Character references, or references from clients or family members will not be accepted.
5. Official copy of a transcript from the most recent academic work (undergraduate or graduate). Transcript may be opened to make photocopies.
6. If the applicant is not currently enrolled in an accredited MSW program, provide the letter of acceptance from the program, or a copy of the application to an accredited MSW program, with a letter from the college/university verifying the application has been received.
7. Signed release of information .
8. Provide a letter from the candidates academic advisor-for candidates applying for continued funding through the Lyons Scholarship fund only.
9. Application checklist .

Complete application packages should be mailed to:
NASW Foundation
Executive Office
750 First Street, NE, Suite 700
Washington , DC 20002-4241

Questions should be directed to:

Scholarships & Awards Hotline: (202) 408-8600 EXT. 504
E-mail:  naswfoundation@naswdc.org