Stephen J. Lawler Leadership in Healthcare Scholarship

Stephen J. Lawler Leadership in Healthcare Scholarship

Overview: This annual scholarship recognizes NCHA's CEO Emeritus, Steve Lawler, for his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to improving the health of our communities. The scholarship is designed to support aspiring healthcare leaders who demonstrate a passion for driving positive change in the healthcare field.

Award Structure: Three awards totaling $5,000:

One award of $2,500 to a student pursuing a healthcare degree or a professional currently working in healthcare

Two awards of $1,250 each to graduates of and current enrollees in the NCHF Diverse Leaders Mentorship Program

Geographic Scope: North Carolina residents and North Carolina resident students

Student Eligibility Requirements

• Be a current North Carolina resident or a North Carolina resident student for tuition purposes
• Be enrolled in an accredited college or university in North Carolina pursuing a healthcare career focused certificate or degree
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent
• Be enrolled in good standing at the college or university through December 31, 2026
• Have not previously won this award

Professional Eligibility Requirements

• Be employed in North Carolina and actively working in healthcare
• Be pursuing an accredited professional development certification, event that provides CEUs, or post-graduate education at an accredited institution
• Have not previously won this award

Timeline

• March 30, 2026: Scholarship Application Opens
• May 1, 2026: Application Closes
• May 2026: Scholarship Application Review
• June 2026: Scholarship Award Notifications/Scholarship Claiming and Payments
• July 2026: Winners formally announced at NCHA's Summer Membership Meeting

Important Notes

• 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
• Previous applicants who did not win are eligible to apply again
• All award recipients will be notified via email

Contact Information

Tatyana Kelly
• Title: Senior Vice President, Planning, Strategy & Member Services
• Phone: 919-677-4253
• Email: tkelly@ncha.org

Hannah Rodgers, MPH

Title: Senior Manager, Communications

Phone: 919-677-4230

Email: hrodgers@ncha.org

General Contact: communications@ncha.org

NCHA Office: 421 Fayetteville St. Suite 203, Raleigh, NC 27601 | 919.677.2400