News Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. -  The NASW Foundation is pleased to announce $73,000 in scholarships to 16 master's degree level students for the 2026–2027 academic year. The scholarships support social work students committed to serving underserved communities and advancing equity through direct practice, policy, and specialty social work practice areas. 

The NASW Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the generous donors whose contributions make these scholarships possible. Their commitment to investing in the next generation of social workers helps expand educational opportunities and strengthens the profession's capacity to serve individuals, families, and communities nationwide. 

2026–2027 Scholarship Recipients 

Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship (10 recipients × $5,000) 

The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship is awarded to master’s degree candidates in social work who have demonstrated a commitment to working with, or who have a special affinity with, American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino populations, or with public or voluntary nonprofit agencies and grassroots groups in the United States. 

• Maria Siquina, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

• Rosa L. Gregorio-Matias, Florida State University 

• Yael Atzin Hernandez, University of North Carolina, Charlotte 

• Alexia Estrada, University of Chicago 

• Maribel Aviles, UC Berkeley 

• Brenda Garcia, Grand Canyon University 

• Lois Gutierrez, University of Minnesota 

• Meirilyn Filpo, Rutgers University 

• Liliana De La Garza, Washington University in St. Louis 

• Emma Lopez, University of Texas at Austin 

Neysa Fanwick Memorial Scholarship (1 recipient × $5,000) 

The Neysa Fanwick Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a master’s degree candidate in social work dedicated to addressing injustices within various systems, including but not limited to criminal justice, foster care, health care, and education. 

• Mary Kachel, Seattle University 

Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship (4 recipients × $4,000) 

The Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship is awarded to master’s degree candidates in social work who demonstrate an interest in or experience with health and mental health practice and a commitment to working in African American communities. 

• Azania Lane-Majestic, Bryn Mawr College 

• Debbie Long, North Carolina Central University 

• Zinnia Gabriella Loren Moreno, UCLA 

• Olivia Dulany, Hunter College 

Lawanna Renee Barron Scholarship (1 recipient × $2,000) 

The Lawanna Renee Barron Scholarship supports an MSW student with demonstrated interest or experience working in rural settings and/or health and mental health in African American communities. 

• Katie Kaonga, Boston University 

The 2027–2028 scholarship application cycle is expected to open in January 2027. To learn more about each individual scholar visit our websiteor for more information to support scholarship programs, visit naswfoundation.org