SCHOLARSHIPS
Commitment to Our Resident Doctors
$4.3 Million in Scholarships
73 Residents
We believe in supporting our doctors through their education journey so they can best serve a diverse and growing population. To date, Georgia School of Orthodontics has provided $4.3 million, 73 scholarships and grants, to our residents.
GSO Commits $8.5 Million to Establish the John Lewis Legacy Scholarship
The Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO) is proud to announce the creation of the John Lewis Legacy Scholarships, an $8.5 million initiative honoring the life and legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis. Developed in partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, this historic program will provide 47 three-year scholarships to orthodontic residents over the next 12 years, beginning in August 2025. The scholarship program pays tribute to Congressman Lewis’s unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and education.
“It’s humbling to know that GSO has been entrusted to carry on Rep. John Lewis’ legacy. We take this responsibility very seriously,” said Christopher M. Lazzara, GSO co-founder and trustee.
Detria Everson, president and CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, shared her gratitude for GSO’s commitment, noting that nearly 60 future orthodontists will benefit from the scholarships. The partnership will also incorporate educational programming and civil rights tours for all orthodontic residents, ensuring Lewis’s values are woven into their training.
The announcement was made during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for GSO’s newly opened Lazzara Orthodontic Research Center, where much of the scholarship’s educational programming will take place. Click here to read he complete article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
https://www.bracestoday.com/special-news/after-their-deaths-civil-rights-heroes-still-inspire/
John Lewis Legacy Scholarship
The John Lewis Legacy Scholarship was established in March 2025 to honor Congressman John Lewis’ legacy of purposeful living by educating others to embrace justice and fairness in order to build a better community for all. The Scholarship is awarded to residents who demonstrate dedication to the highest ethical standards and moral principles, so that they can carry out not only the GSO Mission, but Congressman Lewis’ legacy in their orthodontic career.
Doctor Melvin S. Polk Professional Integrity & Academic Achievement Scholarship
This faculty-nominated scholarship honors Interim Program Director, Dr. Melvin S. Polk, who was instrumental in GSO’s establishment. It is awarded to residents who exhibit exceptional merit, commitment to helping others, professional commitment, and further the quality of education, intellectual life, and mission of the school.
Doctor Nathaniel Glover Leadership & Professionalism Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship honors Dr. Nathaniel Glover, a member of the GSO board of Trustees, who has exhibited extraordinary leadership, professionalism and dedication. The scholarship recognizes the orthodontic education of outstanding second-year and third-year residents who support the exceptional clinical care provided to GSO’s patients and assist the school’s faculty, staff, and residents with clinical duties as teaching Assistants.
73
Residents
$4.3M
In Scholarships
150
Average Number of Braces Put on Patients Each Month
12,000
Number of Patients Seen at GSO to Date