Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship Guidelines
The Lyons Scholarships are awarded based on projected annual earnings and contributions. With generous support from the Tamara L. Harris Foundation, a total of six Lyons Scholarships in the amount of $4,333 each will be awarded in 2023-2024. As part of the Lyons Scholarship Award, the recipients will be expected to virtually attend NASW's Leadership Academy June 22, 2023 ($4,183.33 disbursed directly to the recipient’s college/university; $150 earmarked for registration to join NASW’s June 2023 virtual leadership conference. Recordings will be available following the event for Lyons Scholars who are unable to attend the livestream).
Applicants must be a 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 an MSW Program and have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above. Students enrolled in an MSW program for more than one year may reapply to the Foundation for part or all of a second year.
Application Requirements For The Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship
- NASW membership, in good standing, is a mandatory requirement to receive an NASW Foundation Scholarship Award. Awardees must maintain active membership throughout the award period.
- Applicants who are current members in good standing can apply for a scholarship using their current membership ID number.
- To apply for NASW membership visit the NASW website (Online Join) or download and complete NASW‘s “Membership Application" found at "Online Join." New members will receive email confirmation of membership, which will include a member ID and password. Applicants awaiting acceptance into a CSWE-accredited program must include, with the membership form, their application to the MSW program with a letter from the college/university verifying the application has been received
- Non-members interested in applying can join NASW: 1) if they have a social work degree (BSW/MSW) or are matriculating in a CSWE-accredited social work program; or 2) are enrolled in or awaiting acceptance into a CSWE-accredited program.
- Applicants either must be or plan to be enrolled in a social work degree program to maintain eligibility. Award is disbursed in two installments, at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Applicants graduating before the 1st installment are not eligible.
- Application form.
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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.
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Two letters of support from professional references (you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of two professional references). Letters 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. If the applicant is applying for renewed funding from the NASW Foundation, one of the two references must be obtained from the applicant’s academic advisor.
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Official copy of a transcript from the most recent academic work (undergraduate or graduate). Transcript may be opened to make photocopies. Unofficial transcripts will NOT be accepted.
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Signed release of information.
Only completed applications will be considered. Questions should be directed to: naswfoundation@socialworkers.org.