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As the demand for licensed social workers is expected to grow faster than average in response to an increasing need for healthcare and human services, more organizations and universities are offering scholarships for social work to encourage qualified students to enter the growing helping profession. Since most jobs in the private or public sector require candidates to have several years of schooling to receive a master’s or doctoral degree, it is essential that aspiring social workers seek out numerous sources of financial funding to avoid the vast accumulation of student loan debt. In order to achieve your dreams of making a difference in the world, the following are 25 of the most generous scholarships that are offered specifically to undergraduate and graduate social work students.
1. A Place for Mom Senior Care Innovation Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
As a national leader in the senior living industry, A Place for Mom offers the Senior Care Innovation Scholarship annually for $1,000 to students enrolled in an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program in the fields of social work, healthcare administration, medicine, nursing, or sociology with a focus on gerontology. Along with the application, eligible candidates are asked to provide a comprehensive work history, 500-word response essay, and a personal statement on career goals working with the elderly.
Contact
A Place for Mom Senior Care Innovation Scholarship
1300 Dexter Avenue Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 285-4666
scholarship@aplaceformom.com
http://www.aplaceformom.com/scholarship
2. Bethesda Lutheran Communities Service Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Each year, three Bethesda Lutheran Communities Service Scholarships for $3,000 each are awarded to college students or seminarians who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in any academic area that will prepare them for serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including social work. Eligible applicants for the award must be active communicant members of a Lutheran congregation, be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. institution, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Contact
Bethesda Lutheran Communities Service Scholarship
600 Hoffmann Drive
Watertown, WI 53094
(920) 206-4410
pam.bergen@mailblc.org
3. Carl A. Scott Memorial Book Scholarships
Deadline: May 9th
Sponsored by the CSWE in memory of the past associate executive director who was at the helm of the earliest efforts for fostering human diversity, two Carl A. Scott Memorial Book Scholarships are awarded each academic year to students of color who have demonstrated a commitment to work for equity in social work. Eligible candidates must be in their final year of study for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work that has been accredited by the CSWE.
Contact
Carl A. Scott Memorial Book Scholarships
1701 Duke Street Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8080
cbrock@cswe.org
4. Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial MSW Scholarship
Deadline: March 5th
In honor of a champion of human rights who worked diligently to ameliorate conditions for American Indians in the Southwest, the Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial MSW Scholarship is granted annually to master’s degree candidates in social work who are committed to working with minority groups. In order to be eligible for one of the 10 scholarships up to $4,000 each, graduate students must be enrolled in a CSWE-accredited program, be a NASW member in good standing, and submit a biographical essay.
Contact
Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial MSW Scholarship
750 First Street NE Suite 700
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 408-8600 ext. 298
naswfoundation@naswdc.org
5. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1st
Founded in 1961 in memorial of Marian Davis who was a teacher and political activist committed to advocating for racial justice, the Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund offers annual scholarships for up to $10,000 to social work students who are actively participating in struggles for civil rights, economic justice, international solidarity, or other progressive social problems. Applicants must submit a completed application, short personal essay, college transcript, two letters of recommendation, photograph, and official financial statement.
Contact
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 7307
New York, NY 10016
davisputter@davisputter.org
http://www.davisputter.org/apply/apply-for-scholarships/
6. Dr. Alma Adams Legacy Scholarships
Deadline: April 30th
The American Legacy Foundation offers two Dr. Alma Adams Legacy Scholarships for $5,000 each annually to students who are pursuing a degree in public health, communications, social work, education, or liberal arts at an accredited U.S. institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference will be given to applicants who provide evidence of community service activities related to tobacco prevention or control on behalf of underserved populations.
Contact
Dr. Alma Adams Legacy Scholarships
1724 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 454-5920
adamsscholarship@americanlegacy.org
7. Emma and Meloid Algood Undergrad Tuition Scholarship
Deadline: 3rd Friday of December
Annually, the NABSW offers the Emma and Meloid Algood Undergrad Tuition Scholarship for $1,000 to future social workers who will carry forward Algood’s commitment to helping disenfranchised communities. Eligible candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, be of African American descent, demonstrate community service, express research interest in the black community, and be enrolled for full-time study in an accredited U.S. undergraduate social work program.
Contact
Emma and Meloid Algood Undergrad Tuition Scholarship
2305 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20020
(202) 678-4570
harambee@nabsw.org
8. George E. Meares Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Established in memory of George E. Meares who served as Grand Basileus from 1964 to 1967, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity offers this scholarship for up to $5,000 to support full-time graduate students who are pursuing an accredited social work, social sciences, or criminal justice degree program at a professional school in the United States. Eligible members must be in good financial and academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
George E. Meares Memorial Scholarship
3951 Snapfinger Parkway
Decatur, GA 30035
(404) 284-5533
info@oppf.org
10. Hartford Doctoral Fellows in Geriatric Social Work Program
Deadline: Varies
Sponsored by the Gerontological Society of America, the Hartford Doctoral Fellows in Geriatric Social Work Program offers numerous grants amounting to nearly $300,000 total for doctoral students who are actively engaged in research or training to further the understanding of geriatric social work. Recipients of the awards will receive financial support for aging-related dissertation research projects, mentorships, and workshops to develop their professional skills.
Contact
Hartford Doctoral Fellows in Geriatric Social Work Program
55 East 59th Street 16th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 832-7788
nora.obrien@jhartfound.org
10. Hooyman Intergenerational Fellowship Program
Deadline: April 2nd
As a merit-based scholarship at the University of Washington, the Hooyman Intergenerational Fellowship Program provides between $1,000 to $2,000 to students enrolled in the MSW program with the Multigenerational Concentration to work with older adults. Along with the completed online application, eligible candidates must submit a cover letter, personal statement of career goals, summary of work with older adults, current resume, and at least three professional references.
Contact
Hooyman Intergenerational Fellowship Program
4101 15th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 543-5640
hooy@uw.edu
http://socialwork.uw.edu/admissions/scholarships/master-of-social-work-msw
11. James F. Reville Scholarship
Deadline: January 10th
Each year, the New York State Chapter of the ARC (NYSARC) awards the James F. Reville Scholarship to students who are enrolled full-time in any year of their college career with training in a field related to providing services for the intellectual and developmentally disabled. In order to be eligible for one of the two $3,000 awards, candidates must submit letters of recommendation from the president of the chapter’s board of directors and from programs where they have previously worked/volunteered.
Contact
James F. Reville Scholarship
393 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 439-8311
info@nysarc.org
12. Jewish Community Center North American Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
Established by the Jewish Community Center (JCC), the North American Graduate Scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year for full-time students enrolled in a one or two-year graduate program in a field of study that leads to professional work in the JCC Movement. Offered to non-profit management, Jewish studies, early childhood education, business administration, public policy, and social work majors, the scholarships are only granted to those who agree to work with the JCC for at least two years.
Contact
Jewish Community Center North American Graduate Scholarship
520 18th Avenue
New York, NY 10018
(212) 532-5114
scholarship@jcca.org
13. Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: December 15th
Annually, the Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarship is granted to students who demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to earning a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree in social work. In order to be eligible for the non-renewable award of up to $8,500, eligible candidates must be under the age of 30 years old, be U.S. citizens, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and submit recent tax returns with official transcripts.
Contact
Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarship
551 Fifth Avenue Suite 3000
New York, NY 10176
(212) 692-0191
http://www.scheppfoundation.org/wp/applying/
14. Louise C. Spence Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
At Northern Arizona University, the Louise C. Spence Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually for $1,500 to full-time undergraduate students who are enrolled in the university’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program. While it is required that all eligible candidates have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, preference will be given to students of Native American descent who demonstrate financial need.
Contact
Louise C. Spence Memorial Scholarship
South San Francisco Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
(928) 523-1551
financial.aid@nau.edu
15. Maria Sardinas Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Offered by the School of Social Work at San Diego State University, the Maria Sardinas Graduate Scholarship is awarded annually for $1,000 to students who have been accepted into the MSW program with a mental health concentration and commitment to work with adult mentally ill individuals. Eligible candidates must enroll in special elective classes, demonstrate competence with Spanish-speaking populations, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
Maria Sardinas Graduate Scholarship
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182
(619) 594-6865
socwork@mail.sdsu.edu
16. Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), the Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship program is available to degree-seeking graduate and professional students who are enrolled either part-time or full-time at a public Maryland institution with a major in medicine, dentistry, law, pharmacy, nursing, social work, or veterinary medicine. Ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 each academic year, the scholarship amounts are determined based on student financial need demonstrated on the FAFSA form.
Contact
Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship
6 North Liberty Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 767-3301
osfamail@mhec.state.md.us
17. NAPRHSW Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
The NAPRHSW offers annual scholarships for up to $2,500 each to first and second-year students of Hispanic descent who are currently enrolled in an accredited graduate social work program. In order to be considered for the scholarships based on academic achievement and financial need, eligible applicants are asked to submit a personal statement demonstrating their commitment to addressing social issues that affect the Latino community.
Contact
NAPRHSW Scholarships
P.O. Box 651
Brentwood, NY 11717
(631) 864-1536
velazquez@naprhsw.org
18. National Pathfinder Scholarships
Deadline: June 1st
Established by the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) in honor of First Lady Nancy Reagan, three annual National Pathfinder Scholarships for $2,500 are available as financial support for female students seeking an undergraduate or master’s degree in a field related to substance abuse prevention, including sociology, psychology, pharmacology, and social work. Along with the application, candidates must submit three letters of recommendation, an official college transcript, and one-page typed essay on career goals.
Contact
National Pathfinder Scholarships
124 North Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-9688
mail@nfrw.org
19. Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association Scholarship Award
Deadline: April 4th
Each year, the Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association (NJJA) provides a $500 scholarship to outstanding junior and senior college students who are working towards a career in juvenile justice with a major in criminal justice, social work, psychology, or mental health. Eligible candidates must reside in Nebraska, attend an accredited institution within the state, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and demonstrate a commitment to volunteer service.
Contact
Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association Scholarship Award
P.O. Box 94813
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-8402
peg.barner@nebraska.gov
http://njja.org/awards/
20. Presbyterian Church Student Opportunity Scholarship
Deadline: January 1st
Annually, the Presbyterian Church Student Opportunity Scholarship are granted to young members of the church who have achieved junior-level status in pursuing a degree in social work, education, religious studies, or social service. In order to be eligible for the $2,000 award, candidates must be enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. institution, be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or better, demonstrate financial need, and maintain active involvement in a worshipping community.
Contact
Presbyterian Church Student Opportunity Scholarship
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(800) 728-7228 ext. 5735
finaid@pcusa.org
21. Sarah Haley Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence
Deadline: March 31st
Sponsored by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), the Sarah Haley Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence is presented to graduate students who have dedicated their career to working with individuals suffering post-traumatic stress disorder as the result of suffering with domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, and/or military service. Eligible candidates for the $5,000 award must be enrolled in an accredited master’s or doctoral program to receive training for clinical social work.
Contact
Sarah Haley Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence
111 Deer Lake Road Suite 100
Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 480-9028
istss@istss.org
22. Transgender Scholarship and Education Legacy Fund
Deadline: May 15th
Established by the IFGE, the Transgender Scholarship and Education Legacy Fund (TSELF) provides supplemental funding for post-secondary transgender identified students who are pursuing a degree in the helping professions of health care, education, law, or social work to advocate for change in the transgender community. Eligible applicants must submit an online application, official college transcript, financial statement, and list of special honors or achievements.
Contact
Transgender Scholarship and Education Legacy Fund
P.O. Box 540229
Waltham, MA 02454
(781) 894-8340
info@ifge.org
23. UJA Federation of New York Graduate Fellowship
Deadline: February 14th
For full-time New York students pursuing a graduate degree in social work, public administration, non-profit management, or clinical psychology, the UJA Federation of New York Graduate Fellowship program is offered to provide funding and educational opportunities for beginning a career in the Jewish communal sector. Fellows are required to intern at least 10 hours each week and commit to two years of employment at UJA Federation’s network of agencies after graduation.
Contact
UJA Federation of New York Graduate Fellowship
130 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 836-1661
graduatescholarships@ujafedny.org
http://www.ujafedny.org/graduate-fellowship/
24. Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 5th
Sponsored by the NASW Foundation in memory of a staff member who died in 1989 waiting for a heart transplant, the Verne LaMarr Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually for $3,000 to master’s degree students majoring in social work who desire to help underserved African American individuals. Eligible candidates must be NASW members in good standing, be enrolled in a MSW program accredited by the CSWE, and submit two letters of recommendation.
Contact
Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship
750 First Street NE Suite 700
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 408-8600 ext. 298
naswfoundation@naswdc.org
http://www.naswfoundation.org/lyons.asp
25. William Randolph Hearst Fellowship
Deadline: February 28th
From the Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation (PSI), the William Randolph Hearst Fellowship is available for undergraduate and graduate students of color who are pursuing a graduate degree related to an altruistic field, such as social work. In order to participate in the 12 to 15-week fellowship program for $2,000, candidates must be from an underrepresented minority group, demonstrate interest in the non-profit social sector, showcase financial need, and possess excellence research and writing skills.
Contact
William Randolph Hearst Fellowship
One Dupont Circle NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 736-5812
info@aspenbsp.org
If you are a compassionate individual with a strong drive to promote social justice and alleviate the oppression of disadvantaged communities, social work may be the ideal professional career option. However, as the hefty price tag of earning a college degree continues to skyrocket, it is more important than ever before for aspiring social workers to seek extra funding to afford additional years of graduate education to reach these career goals. Therefore, be sure to check out these 25 excellent scholarships for social work to get on the right track to advocating for vulnerable populations without the overwhelming burden of student debt.
