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If you have a passion for helping people in a variety of public outreach organizations, then scholarships for human services majors could help you with the funding to turn your hobby into a successful career. Human services degree programs are designed to equip students with the interpersonal skills and intervention techniques needed to help our society’s most vulnerable populations tackle major challenges in their lives. As such a broad field, human services degrees can be used to build a career as a case manager, adult services worker, child welfare specialist, corrections officer, substance abuse counselor, social services administratoroci, and much more. Below we’ve highlighted 25 of the best scholarships available to reward caring, compassionate students like you for their dedication to providing assistance to those in need.
1. AAFCS National Undergraduate Scholarship
Deadline: January 12th
Through the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), the National Undergraduate Scholarship program is hosted annually to provide $5,000 to qualified U.S. residents currently enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s degree in family studies, consumer sciences, human services, human development, or other related areas. Applicants must have a career objective of working with families, be in good academic standing, submit two recommendations, and complete volunteer work in relevant community organizations.
Contact
AAFCS National Undergraduate Scholarship
400 North Columbus Street Suite 202
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 706-4608
RAyona@aafcs.org
2. Alex Esclamado Scholarship in Human Services
Deadline: October 10th
Sponsored by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NAFFAA), the Alex Esclamado Scholarship in Human Services is granted annually for $1,000 for students of Filipino descent who are currently registered as sophomores at a U.S. college in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in a human services field. Eligible candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7, submit a letter of recommendation, and write an essay describing how they will work to strengthen the Filipino American community.
Contact
Alex Esclamado Scholarship in Human Services
1322 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(347) 669-8764
gtcaoile@cox.net
Scholarship Link
3. Bethesda Lutheran Communities Scholarships
Deadline: May 1st
Each year, Bethesda Lutheran Communities offers up to two $3,000 scholarships to Lutheran students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in the human services field with the career goal of supporting people with moderate to severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. Qualified applicants must be active communicant members of a Lutheran congregation, be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. institution, have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and provide proof of service hours working with disabled individuals.
Contact
Bethesda Lutheran Communities Scholarships
600 Hoffmann Drive
Watertown, WI 53094
(920) 206-4428
chris.dovnik@mailblc.org
4. Bill Bendiner and Doug Morgenson Scholarship
Deadline: January 16th
Created in 2001 through the Pride Foundation, the Bill Bendiner and Doug Morgenson Scholarship is offered for $1,000 to qualified students residing in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington who are pursuing post-secondary education to enter a career in human services, health sciences, or visual arts. Applicants must identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, or work as straight allies to create social change in the LGBTQ community.
Contact
Bill Bendiner and Doug Morgenson Scholarship
2014 East Madison Street Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 323-3318
scholarships@pridefoundation.org
5. David C. Maloney Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Within the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS), the David C. Maloney Scholarship is awarded for $2,000 each year for students currently enrolled in a human services program at the associates, bachelor’s, or master’s level in the United States. Preference will be given to students with special needs or minority status, but all applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2, submit a resume featuring accomplishments in academic excellence, and write a 500-word essay exhibiting their orientation to helping others.
Contact
David C. Maloney Scholarship
1600 Sarno Road Suite 16
Melbourne, FL 32935
(800) 597-2306
scholar@nationalhumanservices.org
6. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1st
In honor of two lifetime activists who fought for racial justice, civil rights, and the rights of labor, the Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund was created in 1961 to provide up to $10,000 for students attending an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution in human services majors to join our society’s movements for social and economic justice. Applicants must submit a completed application, a personal statement, two signed letters of recommendation, official transcripts, financial aid reports, and their photographs.
Contact
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 7307
New York, NY 10116
davisputter@davisputter.org
7. Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
Sponsored by the American Legacy Foundation, the Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarship is distributed annually for $5,000 to students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions in human services fields to work with underserved communities for public outreach, health communications, and tobacco prevention. Eligible applicants must possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, exhibit financial need, have U.S. citizenship, and provide evidence of involvement in community service activities.
Contact
Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarship
1724 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 454-5597
adamsscholarship@americanlegacy.org
8. Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in Ethics
Deadline: December 8th
Human services majors can choose to enter the Elie Wiesl Foundation Prize in Ethics to win up to $5,000 by writing a 3,000 to 4,000-word essay analyzing an ethical issue they have encountered from a psychological, sociological, philosophical, or biographical perspective. Eligible participants must be registered full-time at an accredited four-year U.S. college, have at least junior or senior level undergraduate status, submit an original unpublished work, and demonstrate a genuine grappling with ethical dilemmas.
Contact
Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in Ethics
555 Madison Avenue 20th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 490-7788
Scholarship Link
9. Eugene and Nancy Winkler Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
At the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the Eugene and Nancy Winkler Scholarship is offered annually for $2,200 to full-time undergraduate students in the College of Education and Human Services who have declared a major in human services leadership. Qualified applicants must be Wisconsin residents, have earned at least 40 college-level credits, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and show leadership in campus extra-curricular activities, excluding athletics.
Contact
Eugene and Nancy Winkler Scholarship
800 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 424-3322
yeof@uwosh.edu
10. Freda R. Riecken Scholarship Award
Deadline: February 12th
Within the College of Human Sciences at Iowa State University, the Freda R. Riecken Scholarship Award is presented annually for at least $500 to adult students over the age of 25 who are returning to school to study human sciences in pursuit of a career in child and family services, family resource management, or fair housing. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, display outstanding professional potential, and exhibit financial need.
Contact
Freda R. Riecken Scholarship Award
2330 Palmer HDFS Building
Ames, IA 50011
(515) 294-8618
lsharp@iastate.edu
11. Harold McPheeters Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
In honor of the founder of human services education in America, the Harold McPheeters Scholarship is awarded annually for $2,000 through the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) for outstanding students enrolled in human services programs at the associate, baccalaureate, or master’s level. Applicants must be NOHS members, hold a minimum GPA of 2.8, demonstrate successful volunteer or paid work in human services, and possess evident interpersonal skills in the workplace.
Contact
Harold McPheeters Scholarship
1600 Sarno Road Suite 16
Melbourne, FL 32935
(800) 597-2306
scholar@nationalhumanservices.org
12. Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: February 3rd
As a very competitive program, the Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship is granted for up to 65 junior and senior-level students nationwide for a maximum of $30,000 in funding to reduce the costs of attending an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. Human services majors who wish to work as change agents in government agencies, non-profit organizations, public interest groups, advocacy firms, or educational institutions to improve human conditions are encouraged to apply.
Contact
Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship
712 Jackson Place NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 395-4831
financialdesk@truman.gov
13. Ida G. and L. Leonard Ruben Scholarship
Deadline: July 1st
As part of Maryland’s Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant (WSSAG), the Ida G. and L. Leonard Ruben Scholarship was created to provide $4,000 annually to students enrolled full-time in four-year undergraduate human services programs related to counseling, gerontology, mental health, nursing, social work, psychology, physical therapy, special education, or disability services. Applicants must be Maryland residents and sign a promissory note to work at least one year for each year of funding in the state’s human service agencies.
Contact
Ida G. and L. Leonard Ruben Scholarship
6 North Liberty Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 767-3301
osfamail@mhec.state.md.us
Scholarship Link
14. Jan Embree-Bever Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
With preference given to single parents, the Jan Embree-Bever Endowed Scholarship is granted each year for $1,000 to full-time undergraduate students at the Metropolitan State University of Denver who have declared a major in human services with a concentration in high-risk youth. Eligible candidates must show financial need, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater, be at least a sophomore, and exhibit career promise in working with children.
Contact
Jan Embree-Bever Endowed Scholarship
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217
(303) 556-2951
sgalpern@msudenver.edu
15. Jerry House Human Services Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
At Western Washington University, the Woodring College of Education offers the Jerry House Human Services Scholarship for $1,000 annually to full-time students currently enrolled in the on-campus or online B.A. program in human services. For consideration, students must submit an application, proof of financial need, official transcripts, a list of relevant work or internship experience, and a 500-word essay describing how their human services career goals honor Jerry House’s community spirit.
Contact
Jerry House Human Services Scholarship
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 650-3319
woodring.scholarships@wwu.edu
16. John Moline Undergraduate Scholarship
Deadline: May 20th
Sponsored by the Minnesota Social Service Association (MSSA), the John Moline Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 to two outstanding bachelor’s-level students who are currently enrolled in a human services program in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota. Applicants must show financial need, possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, submit two letters of reference, and clearly articulate how their human services degree will be used in helping others.
Contact
John Moline Undergraduate Scholarship
125 Charles Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
(651) 644-0556
ajorgensen@mnssa.org
17. Madge Holm Memorial Human Services Technology Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
In memory of the first chairperson of the Human Services Advisory Committee, the Darton State College Foundation created the Madge Holm Memorial Human Services Technology Scholarship to grant $1,000 to qualified full-time students who are currently enrolled in the college’s human services technology major. Eligible candidates must carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, exhibit financial need for assistance, and demonstrate a commitment to working in a Southwest Georgia setting following graduation.
Contact
Madge Holm Memorial Human Services Technology Scholarship
2400 Gillionville Road
Albany, GA 31707
(229) 317-6895
carolann.ham@darton.edu
18. Marjorie K. Simmons Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: February 6th
At Oakland University, the Marjorie K. Simmons Endowed Scholarship is available to provide $1,000 annually for up to five consecutive years to full-time undergraduate students in the School of Education and Human Services who have demonstrated exemplary leadership skills. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, provide proof of financial need, and take on leadership roles in community service agencies or professional organizations.
Contact
Marjorie K. Simmons Endowed Scholarship
2200 North Squirrel Road
Rochester, MI 48309
(248) 370-3050
sehs@oakland.edu
Scholarship Link
19. Mironda K. Heston Scholarship for Human Service
Deadline: October 1st
In honor of an alumni member who died from an illness contracted while working to improve healthcare in Haiti, the Mironda K. Heston Scholarship for Human Service is granted for $2,500 annually by North Central College to upper-class undergraduate students who encompass Mironda’s spirit of humanitarianism. Qualified applicants should be in good academic standing, submit two letters of reference, and demonstrate a life-long vocation for human service.
Contact
Mironda K. Heston Scholarship for Human Service
30 North Brainard Street
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 637-5600
finaid@noctrl.edu
20. Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program
Deadline: Varies
For any human services majors who have served for full two-year tours in the Peace Corps, the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program is offered to help returned volunteers cover the tuition expenses for attending one of 90 participating universities to receive a graduate or doctoral degree in nearly 200 eligible fields. In addition to earning tuition forgiveness, recipients will gain the opportunity to complete a degree-related internship in an underserved American community.
Contact
Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program
1111 20th Street NW
Washington, DC 20526
(855) 855-1961 ext. 1440
fellows@peacecorps.gov
21. Sarah Churchill Scholarship for Leadership and Community Service
Deadline: May 27th
Through the State of New Jersey’s Department of Human Services (DHS), the Sarah Churchill Scholarship for Leadership and Community Service is granted for $1,000 annually in honor of a visually impaired music teacher who dedicated her time and substantial resources to the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Eligible applicants must be pursuing a career in human services, show involvement in community service, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, be New Jersey residents, and demonstrate exemplary leadership abilities.
Contact
Sarah Churchill Scholarship for Leadership and Community Service
P.O. Box 47017
Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 648-3333
Pamela.Gaston@dhs.state.nj.us
22. Scott and Paul Pearsall Scholarship
Deadline: December 15th
Through the American Psychological Foundation (APF), the Scott and Paul Pearsall Scholarship is awarded annually for $10,000 to outstanding graduate students in human services who are conducting research to increase the public’s knowledge of the psychological pain and stigma experienced by individuals with physical disabilities. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. university, be in good academic standing, receive IRB approval for their research, and have the goal of reducing misconceptions about disability.
Contact
Scott and Paul Pearsall Scholarship
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843
foundation@apa.org
23. Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships
Deadline: December 5th
Administered through the Sodexo Foundation, the Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships are granted for $5,000 annually for students aged 25 and under who have demonstrated an on-going commitment to human services by performing unpaid volunteer services helping the fight to end hunger in America. Qualified U.S. residents who impress the judges with their compassionate service work over the past year will also receive a matching grant of $5,000 to donate to the hunger-related charity of their choosing.
Contact
Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships
9801 Washingtonian Blvd.
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(615) 320-3149
StopHunger@applyists.com
24. Swank Human Services Disabilities Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
At the University of Delaware, the Swank Human Services Disabilities Scholarships are awarded annually in the College of Education & Human Development to human services majors in their sophomore or junior years who are concentrating their studies with a minor in disabilities studies. In order to qualify for a scholarship that covers tuition, textbooks, fees, and related academic expenses for one year, students must sign an agreement to work in Delaware supporting individuals with neuro-developmental disabilities for at least two years.
Contact
Swank Human Services Disabilities Scholarships
111 Allison Hall West
Newark, DE 19716
(302) 831-6500
hdfs-dept@udel.edu
25. Timothy S. Ray Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 6th
At California State University Fullerton, the Timothy S. Ray Scholarship Fund was established to provide at least $500 in academic funding to an outstanding full-time junior or senior student majoring in human services of child development in preparation for a rewarding career in the helping professions. Recipients will be chosen annually based on scholastic achievement, financial need, involvement in community service, campus leadership positions, and dedication to the human services field.
Contact
Timothy S. Ray Scholarship Fund
800 North State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-2011
fa@fullerton.edu
Scholarship Link
Whether you’ve decided to pursue an associates, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree related to human services, you’ll likely need to find additional resources of funding to cover rising tuition costs in American higher education. After all, the average annual price for an undergraduate degree alone is $14,300 at public colleges and $37,800 at private schools! With these scholarships for human services majors, you can reduce the financial burden of earning your degree and get started helping our society blossom without loads of loan debt.
