Best Social Work Schol­ar­ships Top 25 Schol­ar­ships 2022

This scholarship is a great opportunity for those students living in New Hampshire and pursuing a career in social work. Although the Alice M. and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust does not have it’s own website, you can click on the link above for information and the application. This program is designed for students enrolled in nursing, medicine or social work.

The Alice M. and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust scholarships are anticipated to be from $1,000 – $5,000 and will be awarded annually. Applicants must be currently pursuing post-secondary school education with financial need and be residents of New Hampshire with the intention of working in the state of New Hampshire. Included in the link above, you will find the application, instructions and essay requirements. The essay should describe a volunteer or activity that you participated in, which in turn, influenced your decision to pursue a career in social work (or other named profession above). Be prepared to send in your transcripts, a FAFSA report and letters of recommendation. All materials will be mailed in, so please be conscious of the time needed to have your application arrive prior to the deadline.

Bethesda Auxiliary brings the Lutheran community together by providing spiritual and financial support for its members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With numerous locations throughout the country, Bethesda is continually raising funds to support this mission. From running the Bethesda Thrift Shop, making craft items for raffle and receiving monetary donations, this organization is committed to the cause and keeping funds flowing.

One of the ways the spend their money in support of this important mission, is to offer scholarships to those Lutheran students who are pursuing a career in this field of helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By investing in the people who provide treatment and care, Bethesda is insuring that people affected with these disabilities will have support, love and care in a faith-based culture. They offer up to four $3,000 scholarships annually. Candidates should be of Lutheran faith, active communicant member of a Lutheran congregation, enrolled in a 4 year college/university and be a freshman, sophomore or junior with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Of course, major of study should be focused on serving those with intellectual or developmental disabilities such as social work, psychology, counseling etc. Applicants will also need to provide past experience that will document 100 hours of service, be it volunteer or paid, but in the area of serving intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, a short essay is also required for consideration.

Since 1951, the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta has been “connection the passions of donors to the nonprofits fulfilling that purpose.” This foundation has been such an asset to the Atlantic community by enhancing lives through giving of time, talent and helping to finance dreams. They are one of our nation’s largest grant-making organizations based on asset-size. It is not only their size that is large, it is their values, integrity and financial transparency that has set the bar so high for a standard of giving. They believe that if a group of people hold tight to the one goal of enhancing the community and people within it, positive things happen. Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta has been watching positivity spread through its organization and find it’s way to the people of Atlanta for over 60 years.

A large part of that positive energy can be found in the number of scholarships they offer to energize and support the next generation. A variety of donors hold their scholarships through the CFGA, and continue to help them keep the community diversified and progressing forward. The Steve Dearduff Scholarship Fund is provided for those students who are legal residents of Georgia and are pursuing a degree in social work or medicine. The candidate will already enrolled or accepted by an accredited college/university and can demonstrate a history of community service. This scholarship is available to up to three students each year. Please see website for more details.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a national organization that represents social work education in the United States. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes CWSE as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States. Members of CSWE include more than 760 accredited baccalaureate and master’s degree social work programs, individual social work educators, practitioners and agencies. Together, they share one mission: advancing the quality of social work education. Their vision is that by setting high academic standards for quality education, it will protect the profession of social work and enable social work professionals to promote individual, family and community well-being.

The Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund was established by the Board of Directors to honor the contributions he made to CSWE as well as the strides he made within the profession. Prior to coming to the agency in 1968, Carl already shown his commitment to the profession by working with children and family service agencies as well as being the director of admissions and assistant professor at the New York University School of Social Work. After joining CSWE, he was instrumental in promoting diversity in social work education. This Fund is to further his dream of equity and social justice in social work by building and enhancing knowledge for the well-being of individuals and communities in which they live – the goals which Scott committed his life work to.

The Davis-Putter Fund was originated out of love as a memorial to Marion Davis, by her husband Horace Davis. Marion was a pioneer to social justice and political activism. She was said to feel “at home” as a teacher in the classroom, on a picket line or in a jail cell. Her husband, “Hockey,” continued her dreams for social justice beyond her death in 1960. Norton Putter was attracted to the fund and the projects it advocated for. He devoted his time, talents and resources to the fund. In the early days, you would find the recipients working for civil rights, peace in Vietnam and advocating against McCarthyism. Today, many scholarship winners are fighting for current issues like sexism, homophobia, racism, economic justice and creating justice through anti-imperialist solidarity.

To apply, you will have participated in such activities here in the United States and there is a preference given to those students who plan to work in this country post graduation. A personal statement is required, and is fundamental in the selection process. It should be no more than 1,000 words and it will express your experiences and activities and involvement in progressive social activity. Include the major groups you are involved in and the activity and dates of the groups listed. Most importantly, describe your long-range goals and/or concerns and how your education will enable you to benefit social change. The maximum award is $10,000 per year, distributed per semester or term in which the student is enrolled. Please see website for specific details for calculations and more details for application requirements.

East Tennessee State University is a fully accredited university on the eastern border of Tennessee and North Carolina. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. Specifically, it offers both degrees for students looking to take that career path. The foundation of their bachelor’s degree is to prepare the students to be multi-faceted professionals. Their students graduate prepared to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, endorse diversity and difference in practice, be prepared to participate in human rights, social, economical and environmental justice, and be engaged researchers, just to highlight a few.

The Davis Murphy Scholarship was established by Barbara Murphy Brooks in honor of her parents, Rush W. and Celma Davis Murphy. Ms. Brooks has set up the fund to award one or two scholarships annually to BSW students at ETSU. Although the amount of the scholarship may vary, the award is typically between $500-$1000 per year. Barbara was deeply involved a career of social work which included child welfare, public assistance and adoption. In addition she taught social work at the University of Georgia for twelve years. After her teaching tenure, she returned to the “field” and worked in the area of mental health. However, when her mother began to struggle with a terminal illness, she was personally reminded how powerful the assistance of a social worker is to families in need and what a positive effect they can have on people’s lives, especially to her during her mother’s illness. This scholarship is open to students who have already been accepted into the BSW major, have financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to students who are from Tennessee.

The Ima Hogg Scholarship program is named for Hogg Foundation founder and mental health advocate Ima Hogg. The Foundation offers one scholarship for each CSWE-accredited social work program in Texas, to be recommended by the school. Applicants should be in or entering their second year of MSW coursework at one of Texas’ 18 accredited social work schools, and demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of underrepresented and underprivileged Texans. Applicants should also demonstrate financial need.

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health was founded in 1956 by Ima Hogg to combat the serious lack of mental health resources in the Lone Star State at the time. The Hogg Scholarships are just one of the many ways the Hogg Foundation works to expand and improve mental health resources in the state.

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) is comprised of interdisciplinary professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, researchers, clergy, advocates and others who want to promote advancement and exchange knowledge about traumatic stress. Our members work together to uncover and understand the scope and consequences of traumatic exposure. ISTSS wants to prevent traumatic events and their consequences while advocating for the field of traumatic stress. This is a place where our diverse members can have a forum to respectfully communicate in an exchange of information and research to affect society in a positive way.

The Sarah Haley Memorial Award was established in her memory, when she prematurely died of cancer in 1989. Sarah had exemplified the importance, care and treatment for individuals who had experienced trauma. Her career was dedicated to working with veterans who had experienced so many horrific experiences while they served in Vietnam. She pioneered this at a time when so many people had suffered such experiences, but these traumatic experiences were rarely the focus of treatment. She was instrumental in sitting with hundreds of veterans who came to trust her enough to retell their narratives. This inspired her groundbreaking article “When the Patient Reports Atrocities: Specific Treatment Considerations of the Vietnam Veteran” published in 1974. This paper established the fact that veterans had witnessed or taken part in atrocities and presented a new and difficult challenge to psychotherapy requiring courage and conviction from the therapist so that healing can begin. If you are interested in this area of work and treatment, please see their website for more information on how to apply.

The state of Maryland is committed to enriching their population by encouraging residents to pursue higher education. They have a graduate and professional scholarship program open to all Maryland residents who are earning a graduate degree in certain fields, including social work. For those students who are enrolled full or part time at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work, or other institutions offering a master’s degree in social work – you may qualify for financial assistance from the state.

To see if you qualify for this scholarship, you should complete the FAFSA as well as contacting the financial aid office of the institution you are attending and ask to be considered for a Graduate and Professional Scholarship and find out what their financial aid deadlines are. Eligible graduate majors include: dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work and veterinary medicine. Each applicant is ranked on their financial need based on their FAFSA. The minimum award is $1,000 and the maximum is $5,000 per year. You may qualify to receive the award for a maximum of eight semesters if you remain enrolled in an eligible program, maintain satisfactory academic standings to the standards of your institution, file a FAFSA each year and demonstrate need. Each institution determines eligibility for renewals.

The Melanie Foundation offers a $2500 scholarship to an exemplary master’s or doctoral students working in the mental health field, including social work, psychology, and related disciplines. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited institution, including the APA, CACREP, or CSWE.

The Melanie Foundation is named for Melanie Merola O’Donnell, a psychology student who passed away during her doctoral studies in 2006. Since 2009, the Melanie Foundation has not only provided scholarships to students in the mental health field, but also provide support for organizations in Saratoga Springs, Melanie’s hometown. The annual Saratoga Palio, a 5K and half-marathon run, is the Melanie Foundations’ main fundraiser.

For those who are part of the Mennonite faith, you should explore the Mennonite Health Services Alliance (MHS). This is a non-profit organization that encourages health and human services providers who are grounded in the Mennonite and other Anabaptist religions. They support them in leadership and strategic direction. In doing so, they aim to help to cultivate and enrich organizational performance while keeping their values at the forefront. MHS provides several resources and faith-value based consulting services not only to members but also to agencies who share in their faith. Services offered include: operations, governance, leadership search and executive leadership.

The Elmer Ediger Memorial Scholarship was originally called the Mennonite Mental Health Scholarship Fund. Donations made to the fun in honor of Elmer Ediger has enhanced the fund and lead to its name change. Mr. Ediger was a founder of Mennonite Health Alliance, formerly called Mennonite Mental Health Services. The fund was established to support the education and services for mental health and developmental disabilities. Candidates will be graduate students with an interest in mental health, developmental disabilities or similar fields. Membership in a Mennonite, Brethren in Christ or Mennonite Brethren congregation is required.

The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc. is focused on providing support to enhance, support and advocate for those of African ancestry pursuing a career in serving others through social work. In addition, NABSW provided essential training, knowledge sharing and education on the latest African-centered techniques to serve and lift up their demographic group. They abide by a strong code of ethics, which guide their service to advocate for those people who have received the least from social service offerings, historically it has been those who are African American.

The Cenie “Jomo” Williams Tuition Scholarship is awarded in honor of Mr. William’s dedication to this organization. He was a true trailblazer in this organization. If 1969 he was elected President of the New York Chapter, and implemented several programs which inflicted positive change in the New York area, while building it to be the largest chapter. Not long after, NABSW noticed his commitment and dedication and he was elected as the National President. He successfully developed and cultivated new chapters both nationally and internationally. He dedicated his career to this cause and served on many boards, programs and developmental committees. The scholarship is open to two candidates with an award of $2,500 each. Please see the website for application details.

The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), came about in 1941 with the purpose of “rendering charitable services which are beneficial to the general public, with emphasis on children, and to cooperate with other organizations performing similar services.” Their focus is on serving youth and children with programs to enhance, uplift, support, educate and provide them services for a better life. The NAJA slogan is “Care Today – Character Tomorrow.”

NAJA developed their scholarship program in 1962 as a Graduate Scholarship Program and has since awarded more than 537 grants, giving over $1M towards graduate study benefiting children and youth. Additionally, the Betty W. Robbins Endowed Scholarship was established in 1995 by the Robbins family in memory of her service to this organization. Applicants must be planning to work directly with children and be pursuing graduate level degrees in fields of study such as social work, counseling, mental health, psychology, special education; additional acceptable field of study can be found on the website. Candidates must be US citizens and have a permanent resident of a state which has a Junior Auxiliary Chapter: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri or Tennessee.

The National Association of Social Work Foundation, was born out of the desire of the NASW to have educational and charitable initiatives supported financially. The Foundation does this in a variety of programs which are all meant to support the profession, the practitioner and the public. NASWF is committed to honoring social workers past and present by investing in professional programs and opportunities which lift the profession of social work. The Foundation also supports the practitioners by investing in their knowledge and skills of the practice. Additionally, the Foundation is committed to providing the public with information, knowledge and resources to help individuals, families and the communities they live in.

Consuelo Gosnell was dedicated to his service in civil and human rights and tirelessly fought to improve conditions for the underserved American Indians and Latinos in the Southwest. He did this by working in federal agencies including the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare as well as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where he could advocate for this population. The scholarship(s) are awarded to those graduate students who are also dedicated to working with, or have an affinity for American Indian/Alaska natives and Hispanic/Latino populations. Also eligible are those who can demonstrate work with public or voluntary non-profit agencies or with local grassroots groups in the United States.

The National Association of Social Work Foundation (NASWF) works to support, encourage and strengthen the well-being of individuals, families and communities through programs that ultimately strengthen the profession of social work. One way to accomplishing this is to continually “identify-develop-and respond” to social work policies and practice dilemmas as well as providing a quick response to social issues. Additionally, they are dedicated to supporting the profession through objectives like: practice-based research, raising the visibility and esteem for social work, supporting development of current education that support current social issues and promote the application of new technology for use in the social work profession.

Verne LaMarr Lyons was a social worker and NASW staff member who passed away prematurely while awaiting a heart transplant. He was a champion for increasing awareness of possible fatal health concerns affecting African Americans such as insufficient prenatal care, infant mortality, AIDS, cirrhosis and general life expectancy. This scholarship is awarded to those pursuing a master’s degree in social work and are committed to working in the African American communities. Prior recipients have made careers working in hospitals, medical clinics and social service agencies that provide treatment to African American patients. This scholarship will disperse $4,000 directly to the winner’s university and additionally provide $1,500 to allow for conference attendance and leadership development. Award winners will be expected to attend the Social Work HEALS Student Policy Summit in Washington DC.

The New York State Chapter of the ARC is leading the way for support of individuals with developmental and other disabilities. With 48 chapters across the state, they helping to support 60,000 individuals, can provide employment for 30,000 individuals and boast a membership of 100,000. NYSARC primary goal is to advocate for those with developmental disabilities and is committed to helping provide a full quality of life for every person. This is accomplished by providing support, information and direction for individuals and their families facing developmental disabilities. They are committed to continually building training and educational opportunities into all areas of the NYSARC, Inc. operations so they can provide the highest service possible. In addition, they are true advocates and have lobbied for equal education opportunities, independent living rights, career opportunities and other important policies and laws impacting those with developmental disabilities.

James Reville dedicated his life and career advocating for those with developmental disabilities. He had such a positive impact on so many organizations and was a pioneer in trying to better the life for those who are facing hard challenges. He served as the President of the Welfare Chapter League from 1963-64, was chairman of the ways and means committee for the National Association for Retarded Children, and was appointed by Governor Rockefeller to the Advisory Council on Mental Retardation Facilities and to the Developmental Disabilities Council. The scholarship is granted for a full-time student attending a New York college/university in a course of study which will provide them a career in a field related to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Social Workers educated and trained at Silver School of Social Work have been the “boots on the ground” during the events in the country since it’s inception in 1961. Our students have been involved in social outbreaks such as 1960’s gang violence, AIDS crisis and 9/11; they have helped to transform social crisis into social progress. The core commitment of the school is to honor the belief in human dignity for all, the need for caring human relationships, advocating for social and economic justice and setting high standards for practicing with integrity and competence.

The Silver Tuition Scholarship provides financial assistance to their most competitive applicants. All students can be considered by clicking ‘yes’ to the scholarship question in the application. Funding has been set aside by the Silver School for applicants who are from underrepresented groups in the field of social work. Benefiting from a strong scholarship program, almost 90% of full-time students and almost 100% of part-time students attending the Silver School are funded through some form of scholarship. Scholarships range from $7,000 – $15,000 for full-time and $2,000-$6000 for part-time students.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded at Howard University in 1911. This was the first time a fraternal organization was founded at a traditionally black college. Their founding principles are Manhood, Scholarship, Principles and Uplift. Omega Psi Phi’s name was derived from the meaning “friendship is essential to the soul.” For over 100 years, the fraternity continues to champion civil rights initiatives such as providing a strong voice against police brutality. With over 700 chapters throughout the United States and the world, it provides a place for unity, strength and a center of home for equality and civil justice.

Scholarship is one of the four founding, cardinal principles and Omega Psi Phi has upheld their commitment to scholarly advancement by providing funds necessary to assist aspiring students. The Founders recognized that intellect is of the utmost importance when it comes to the advancement of humankind. From the beginnings of the fraternity, scholarship was always a priority, it has been deeply rooted in the organization and recognized for the fact that “every member, chapter, and district of the fraternity is dedicated to scholarship.” To help facilitate international recognition to future leaders of our society as well as foster scholastic achievement in the fraternity, the Charles R. Drew Memorial Scholarship Commission was formed. The George E. Mears Memorial Scholarship was established for those students pursuing graduate studies working towards a career in social work, social sciences or criminal justice. Applicants must be attending an accredited institution and in good standing. Please see website for more information.

The Phi Alpha Honor Society offers two annual scholarship programs for social work students. ThePatty Gibbs-Wahlberg Scholarship offers three awards of $3000, $2000, and $1000 to students annually, as well as a trip to the Association of Baccalaureate Program Directors conference in the spring. The MSW Scholarship also awards $3000, $2000, and $1000 to three students, as well as an invitation to the Phi Alpha Executive meeting at the annual Council on Social Work conference.

The Phi Alpha Honor Society dates back to 1960, when the social work students at Michigan State University began partnering with similar groups at other institutions. Since its formal beginning in 1962, Phi Alpha has grown to 450 chapters and given away thousands in scholarships, grants, and other aid.

Phi Gamma Mu is an International Honor Society of the Social Sciences. It is the oldest and preeminent honor society in the field of social sciences. The established goal of the organization is to foster superior scholarship in the discipline of social sciences as well as fostering cooperation and social service among its members. Today, there are 150 active chapters in the United States and overseas. These chapters serve the various social science areas that search to understand and explain human behavior and social relationships as well as their related problems and issues.

As a members of Phi Gamma Mu, you could be one of the 10 recipients to receive a scholarship of up to $2,000 to attend graduate school studying disciplines of the social sciences, including social work. You are eligible for up to four years from your initiation into PGM. These scholarships are intended for the first or second year of graduate work. Included with the application is a personal statement declaring why you are pursuing graduate studies in the social sciences; it should explain your commitment, drive and purpose in choosing this career. Other application details can be found on their website.

For 30 years, the Pride Foundation has been a strong advocate for hope, equality and education for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. Established in 1985, the foundation sought to raise and manage funds that could be used to support the challenges facing the LGBTQ community, most notably AIDS and HIV. Fast forward 30 years, the foundation has grown to become a public, regional foundation where members can establish endowments, and provide a safe haven to make investments in the future of the LGBTQ community. To date, more than $72 million has been invested and used to financially support students, build cooperative organizations and connect leaders in the five-state region of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. One of those endowments was established by Mike Schaefer to honor his partner’s tragic suicide, The Soaring Heart Scholarship.

The Soaring Heart Scholarship scholarship is managed through the Pride Foundation, with a purpose of funding a compassionate student who is pursuing a career supporting others dealing with such issues as trauma, grief, illness, death and violent acts. Applicants can be either graduate or undergraduate students attending an accredited institution in the US. Best candidates are going to be in good academic standing and can prove their major studies in the fields of psychology, social work, counseling or therapy. To be considered, students will also have to have lived in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington or Oregon for at least one year.

The San Diego State University School of Social Work was founded in 1963. It was born out of the need for a professionally educated social workers in the public welfare sector in the state of California. Today, the School has over 600 students and has graduated over 7,000 social workers who are professional leaders in the social work arena, worldwide. Over the past 54 years, the School has not deviated from its original mission: providing superior education, deliver quality training and organizational support, producing competent and effective professionals grounded in evidence-based practice and disseminating quality research with practical applications. Their vision continues to desire SDSU’s School of Social Work to be one of the premier schools of social work recognized at the regional, state and national level.

The Jane Beers Scholarship will have a value of at least $1,500. Multiple scholarships may be awarded, that number is determined by the scholarship committee. Master’s graduate students are not required to be enrolled full time, but should be specializing in Direct Practice. Qualifying majors include: Social Work, Social Work & Public Health and Social Work & Juris Doctor. To receive the funds, you must be enrolled at SDSU for the term the scholarship is disbursed. Please see website for essay instructions, essay is required with application submission.

The University of Michigan School of Social Work (UMSSW) is dedicated to “Reach Out. Raise Hope. Change Society.” This is their mantra and core of their social work program. For 90 years, they have been encouraging their students to become practitioners willing to extend their reach, make an impact and engage in social change. UMSSW is a leader in education excellence, research, collaboration, service and innovation for the profession of social work. Building on a rich foundation of the past, they are poised to provide support for societal challenges of the future.

Caren Kaplan was a UMSSW alumna (MSW ‘80), the scholarship was established to give support to an MSW student. Preference will be given towards a student wanting to serve children, youth and families with a demonstrated commitment towards child welfare reform with a focus on addressing the issue of chronic neglect. Ms. Kaplan’s career was dedicated to advocating for child welfare in policy and practice. She worked tirelessly to implement change to our system through knowledge development, family and community engagement and cooperative investments. Through this scholarship, her hard work will continue unending. This strong endowment will allow for up to three students to receive $10,000. Eligibility and application instructions can be found on the website.

The School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill – one of the most influential and exceptional social work programs in the nation – offers numerous scholarships for their students. Out of more than two dozen awards, there are opportunities for students based on financial need (such as the Melvarene Johnson Adair Scholarship Fund), academic excellence (the Berg Scholars Award), and students from underrepresented groups working for social justice (the Iris Carlton-LaNey Scholarship). These awards have a variety of requirements and deadlines, so students should research to determine which are best for them.

The UNC School of Social Work is widely recognized as one of the leading programs in the US, housed at one of the original Public Ivies. Diversity and representation is central to UNC’s values, and nowhere is it more clearly reflected than in the School of Social Work.

The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority National Education Foundation was created to support and financially fund charitable and educational programs. Although several core attributes were used to build this Foundation, offering scholarships was the priority. Namely, the foundation wanted to offer scholarships to those students who had desire and dreams of higher education, but were inhibited by finances. In addition, it is also very important that the Foundation engages in community education programs. By giving the community the knowledge and allow them to participate in self-enriching activities, it is the hope of the Foundation that this will improve individual and community living standards. The Foundation also firmly believes in supporting women educationally and giving the the opportunity to be involved in activities that will encourage their educational development, in turn, relating to the purposes of the Foundation.

The Mildred Carter Bradham Social Work Fellowship is offered for those who are members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Candidates are pursuing a graduate or professional degree in the field of social work. Students should be attending an accredited graduate program, full time. The amount of the fellowship can vary between $500 – $1000 and will be payable for the academic year (fall-spring), and it is renewable. Please have documentation of your academic study sent directly from your college/university to the Scholarship Chair, check website for all the details.