NASW Foundation National Programs

Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarship

The Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a master's degree candidate in social work who demonstrates an interest in or has experience with health/mental health practice and has a commitment to working in the African American community.  Scholarship recipients now work in hospitals, medical clinics, and social services agencies that provide treatment and specialized services to African American patients.

The scholarship is a memorial to Verne LaMarr Lyons, a social worker and NASW national staff member who died in 1989, while waiting for a heart transplant. Lyons committed his life to increasing awareness of pernicious health concerns affecting African Americans such as insufficient prenatal care, infant mortality, AIDS, cirrhosis, and general life expectancy.

The Lyons Scholarship is awarded based on the projected annual earnings to the fund and contributions. To make a donation, click below. A panel reviews applicants and selects the award recipient.

Up to 2 scholarships of up to $2,000 each will be awarded in the 2013-2014 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.

In recent years, Lyons scholarships have been awarded to MSW students at University of Chicago, Smith College, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

2012 Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarship Recipients

Lyons previous award recipients

Verne LaMarr Lyons MSW Scholarship Guidelines