This award originated as the Shirley Steel Award in 1994.  Shirley Steel, NASN President (1991-92) from the state of Maryland, was a strong advocate for continuing education for school nurses.  The original award was funded by a personal donation from Past President Steel and the Maryland Association of School Health Nurses.  NASN has continued to budget and annually provide educational scholarships to NASN members who are advancing their education within school nursing.

Purpose:
Intended to improve school nursing by assisting registered nurses employed in schools to advance their education. 
 
Applicant Requirements
1) Current and Active membership status in NASN for at least the past two years
2) Current license as registered nurse in state of employment
3) Current employment as a school nurse
4) Bachelor’s degree (this degree does not need to be in nursing). The only exception will be for applicants who are pursuing a BSN/MSN degree.
 
Applicant Responsibilities
1) Demonstrate a serious intent to advance school nursing practice
2) Submit a copy of RN license with the completed application
3) Submit written verification of current employment as a school nurse
4) Submit online application
5) Award must be returned upon failure to attend coursework planned
 
Judging
1) Scholarships will be rated on the following criteria:
a.) Benefit to school nursing practice - 60%
b.) Impact on the community - 25%
c.) Educational goals - 15%
2) The applicant’s ability to briefly and concisely respond will be factored into the decision.
3) The Scholarships will only be presented to candidates who meet the established criteria and can demonstrate quality of practice.
4) The Scholarships will not be presented if a qualified candidate is not identified.
5) The decision of the committee will be final and not open to appeal.
 
Award
1) Two (2) $1,500.00 scholarships will be mailed to recipients and announced at the annual conference.
2) Recipient's name will be published in the NASN Newsletter.
3) Recipient(s) will receive complimentary four-day registration to the Annual Conference for year of award.
4) Information on the Award’s history will be included in the application and in the Awards program. 
 
Application Deadline
1) Submitted no later than October 15