NASW Metro DC Annual Awards Program

Each year at the NASW-VA and Metro DC Joint Annual Conference, the Association recognizes social work professionals and community leaders who make a meaningful difference. These awards honor individuals who demonstrate professional excellence and a deep commitment to the values of social work.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 awards year.
Awards will be presented during the Annual Conference Awards Ceremony, held March 25-28, 2026.

Award Categories

  • BSW Student of the Year
  • MSW Student of the Year
  • Social Worker of the Year
  • Citizen of the Year
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

If you have questions about the awards or the nomination process, please contact:
Karessa Proctor, Executive Director
kproctor.naswdc@socialworkers.org


Requirements for BSW & MSW Student of the Year Awards

Nominee Eligibility

To be nominated, the nominee must:

  • Demonstrate outstanding academic performance
  • Demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in the field of social work during an internship or field placement
  • Demonstrate strong leadership qualities
  • Be a member of NASW
  • Be enrolled in a CSWE-accredited social work program in Virginia

Nomination Requirements

To submit a nomination, the nominator must:

  • Complete the online nomination form
  • Upload a minimum one-page summary describing the nominee’s:
    • Academic achievements, leadership roles, and accomplishments in social work
    • Volunteer activities (academic or otherwise) that promote a positive image of social work, benefit a population at risk, or demonstrate leadership
    • Awards, scholarships, honors, or other recognition not previously listed
  • Upload one letter of support
  • Upload at least three high-resolution photos (JPG format preferred)

Requirements for Citizen of the Year Award

Nominee Eligibility

To be nominated, the nominee:

  • Must not be a member of the social work profession
  • Must have contributed to increasing public knowledge and a positive image of social work
  • Must have made a substantial contribution benefiting the community
  • Must have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in the human services field
  • Must personally represent ethics compatible with the NASW Code of Ethics

Nomination Requirements

To submit a nomination, the nominator must:

  • Complete the online nomination form
  • Upload a minimum one-page summary describing:
    • What the nominee accomplished
    • What risks the nominee took to achieve results
    • Who the beneficiaries were
  • Upload one letter of support
  • Upload at least three high-resolution photos (JPG format preferred)

Requirements for Social Worker of the Year Award

Nominee Eligibility

To be nominated, the nominee must:

  • Be a social worker and a member of NASW
  • Demonstrate service beyond job responsibilities
  • Take risks to achieve meaningful results
  • Contribute to the public’s knowledge and positive image of social work
  • Demonstrate leadership qualities
  • Make volunteer contributions
  • Demonstrate impact in one or more of the following areas:
    • Advocacy for clients
    • Impact on social policy
    • Exceptional practice
    • Program development
    • Administrative leadership and innovation
    • Applied research
    • Education and publications

Nomination Requirements

To submit a nomination, the nominator must:

  • Complete the online nomination form
  • Upload a minimum one-page summary describing:
    • What the social worker accomplished
    • What risks were taken to achieve results
    • Who the beneficiaries were
  • Upload the nominee’s Curriculum Vitae
  • Upload one letter of support
  • Upload at least three high-resolution photos (JPG format preferred)

Requirements for Lifetime Achievement Award

Nominee Eligibility

To be nominated, the nominee must:

  • Be a social worker and a current or past member of NASW
  • Meet all eligibility requirements for the Social Worker of the Year Award
  • Demonstrate sustained, outstanding achievements across an entire career
  • Have received recognition from organizations outside of professional social work associations

Nomination Requirements

To submit a nomination, the nominator must:

  • Complete the online nomination form
  • Upload a minimum one-page summary describing:
    • What the nominee accomplished
    • What made the nominee’s actions outstanding
    • What risks were taken to achieve results
    • Who the beneficiaries were
    • The long-term impact of the nominee’s work
  • Upload the nominee’s Curriculum Vitae
  • Upload one letter of support
  • Upload at least three high-resolution photos (JPG format preferred)