Stephen J. Lawler Leadership in Healthcare Scholarship – Apply Today!

The Stephen J. Lawler Leadership in Healthcare Scholarship, established in honor of Steve Lawler, NCHA’s departing CEO, recognizes his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to improving healthcare within our community. This annual scholarship is designed to support aspiring healthcare leaders who demonstrate a passion for driving positive change in the field of healthcare. Two scholarships totaling $5,000 will be awarded, one for a professional seeking further development and the other for a student pursuing education.

Applicants should embody Steve Lawler’s commitment to innovation, compassionate leadership, and community service. This scholarship aims to inspire future healthcare professionals to pursue excellence and continue the legacy of leadership and service that Steve Lawler exemplified throughout his career. See the application details and criteria below.

If you would like to donate to the scholarship fund, you can do so by clicking here.

Application Criteria

  • January 15: Scholarship Application Opens 
  • March 15: Application Closes 
  • April – May: Scholarship Application Review 
  • June: Scholarship Award Notifications 
  • July – August: Scholarship Claiming and Payments (Announce at Summer Meeting) 
  • August 15: Deadline to Claim Scholarship 
  • Be a North Carolina resident as well as a North Carolina resident student for tuition purposes, as defined by North Carolina Residency Manual 
  • 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, 2025 
  • Graduate or enrollee in the NCHF Diverse Healthcare Leaders Mentorship Program 
  • Employed in North Carolina  
  • Working in healthcare 
  • Pursuing an accredited professional development certification or event that provides CEUs 

Please submit the following:

  • A short essay (350 words or fewer) describing why you want to go into healthcare and what your career aspirations are 
  • A letter of recommendation 
  • A copy of transcript (note: can be unofficial)

If selected, complete a virtual finalist interview between April and May. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum GPA to be considered for a scholarship award? 

Yes, to be considered for the Stephen J. Lawler Leadership in Healthcare Scholarship your GPA must be a minimum 3.0 on a weighted scale for high school seniors and unweighted scale for college undergraduate students at the time of application.

Can I use the scholarship awards for graduate work? 

Currently, the Stephen J. Lawler Leadership in Healthcare Scholarship is available to undergraduates enrolling for the upcoming academic year at two-year and/or four-year colleges and universities. 

Are the awards available to students who have parents living in North Carolina but attend school in another state? 

The Stephen J. Lawler Leadership in Healthcare Scholarship may only be used at post-secondary schools in North Carolina. 

What if I am given a scholarship award but decide to wait a year before enrolling in the college program. Can I hold the award until I’m ready? 

All awards are for use in the upcoming academic year. If you decide not to enroll and attend post-secondary school, 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. Does it automatically renew? 

Stephen J. Lawler Leadership in Healthcare Scholarship awards do not automatically renew. All applicants must go through the application process each year. 

What if I change schools before August and decide to attend another NC college? 

Awards can be transferred to a different school prior to the beginning of the term. Please let our office know prior to receiving the second semester portion of the award. 

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

All award recipients will be notified in April via email provided and winners will be posted on the NCHA website. 

When do I receive my award? 

Awards will be distributed at the NCHA Summer Meeting or mailed to the address provided.  

 **Please note, this date is subject to change and recipients will be notified in their award 

announcement letter. 

NCHA Staff Contact