Stephen J. Lawler Leadership in Healthcare Scholarship

NCHA would like to congratulate the 2026 winners:

Read about the scholarship announcement and each of the 2026 recipients in this press release.

2026 Application Closed

The 2026 application is now closed and winners have been notified. The 2027 application cycle will open at the end of this year or early next.

Application Criteria

The Stephen J. Lawler Leadership in Healthcare Scholarship, recognizes NCHA’s CEO Emeritus, Steve Lawler, for his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to improving the health of our communities.

There will be three awards totaling $5,000.

  • One ($2,500) will be awarded to a student pursuing a healthcare degree or a professional currently working in healthcare.
  • Two ($1,250 each) will be awarded to a graduate of and a current enrollee in the NCHF Diverse Leaders Mentorship Program.
  • Late 2026 or early 2027: Scholarship Application Opens 
  • April 2026: Application Closes 
  • May 2026: Scholarship Application Review 
  • June 2026: Scholarship Award Notifications/Scholarship Claiming and Payments
  • Be a current North Carolina resident or a North Carolina resident student for tuition purposes. Click here to learn more and determine your status.
  • Enrolled in an accredited college or university in North Carolina pursuing a healthcare career focused certificate or degree.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent.
  • Enrolled in good standing at the college or university through December 31, 2026. 
  • Employed in North Carolina and actively working in healthcare. 
  • Pursuing an accredited professional development certification, event that provides CEUs or post-graduate education at an accredited institution.

You must submit the following:

  • A short essay (350 words or fewer) describing why you want to go into healthcare and your career aspirations
  • A professional letter of recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the scholarship funds next year, even if they are awarded during this cycle?

All awards are for use in the upcoming year. If you decide not to enroll in college, attend post-secondary school, or participate in a professional development course, the award will be forfeited, and you will need to complete the application process again when you are ready.

I received an award last year. Am I eligible to apply again?

Only applicants who have not previously won the award are eligible to apply.

I applied last year, but did not win. Am I eligible to apply again?

Yes, applicants who have not yet won the award, but applied previously, are eligible to apply again.

How will I know if I have been selected as an award recipient? 

All award recipients will be notified via the email provided. Winners will be formally announced at NCHA’s Summer Membership Meeting in July and on NCHA’s website and social media. 

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