Dr. James E. Lassiter Audacity to Dream Leadership Award
Forecasted
Dr. James E. Lassiter Audacity to Dream Leadership Award supports dental students through a merit scholarship recognizing leadership, mentorship, and service to advance oral health equity.
Funder: National Dental Association Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $10,000 merit scholarship; one award annually
Summary: Recognizes dental students demonstrating leadership, academic achievement, mentorship, service, and commitment to oral health equity.
Key Information: Active SNDA membership must remain in good standing throughout review and the award year.
Description
The National Dental Association Foundation’s Dr. James E. Lassiter Audacity to Dream Leadership Award is a merit scholarship supporting dental students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to equity and mentorship. It honors James E. Lassiter, Jr., DDS, a practitioner, educator, and mentor whose leadership helped shape the National Dental Association (NDA) and its Foundation.
The award recognizes meaningful contributions to the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) or the broader community, particularly initiatives with lasting impact. Priorities include oral health equity, community service, professional development, peer mentorship, and strengthening the SNDA-to-NDA leadership pipeline. It supports future practitioners who embody Dr. Lassiter’s commitment to ethical, service-driven leadership and transformative change within the profession and their communities.
