PressRelease

NASW announces the formation of a new scholarship in memory of the late Leonard Dufour. Leonard was known for his gentle and caring personality and his commitment to the social work profession. He was also known for his dedication to his family including his spouse, Bobbie and two sons, Jake and Todd who followed in their father’s footsteps by becoming social workers. He was a graduate of LSU in 1968 and worked as a guidance counselor, pupil appraisal and at Angola State Prison during his career.

Leonard Dufour was a man of his word and believed in family and work ethics. In honor of Leonard, NASW has created a scholarship committed to the principles and values that were close to him. There will be a minimum of $500.00 awarded yearly with the hopes that this amount will increase as people donate to the fund. To be eligible for the scholarship the following must apply: 1) part time or full time student who holds a job while attending a school of social work.; 2) Attendance at a Bachelor or Masters Social Work Program which is an accredited school ; 3) Is not receiving any other financial assistance for education.

If you or someone you know would like to apply for this scholarship, please send your information to the NASW office requesting the scholarship along with proof of your student status and employment.

If you would like to donate to this fund please send donations to the NASW office marking Leonard Dufour Scholarship as your donation choice.

Now accepting applications for Loan Repayment Awards funded by $200 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Applications will be accepted continuously until funds are expended or September 30, 2010, whichever comes first.

Here is the link to apply for the National Health Service Corps Loan repayment Program:

http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/

The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program provides $50,000 (or the outstanding balance of qualifying student loans if it is less than $50,000), tax free, to primary care medical, dental and mental health clinicians in exchange for two years of service at an approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area. Upon completion of the service commitment, clinicians may be eligible to apply for additional support for extended service.

The Higher Education Act and the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 include loan forgiveness provisions for social workers. NASW does not determine loan forgiveness eligibility, nor does NASW disperse loan forgiveness funds. However, you can find out if you are eligible for these programs by contacting the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243. For additional information concerning these and other loan forgiveness programs, please visit NASW’s loan forgiveness site at http://www.socialworkers.org/loanforgiveness.