A career in social work requires a very specific type of person – one who is altruistic, compassionate and generally wants to make the world they live in a better place. Social workers spend their days improving the lives of those who may be caught in a cycle of poverty, addiction or crime or who are elderly, disable or otherwise disadvantaged. Many individuals seek this type of profession not out of hope for financial gain, but because they generally want to make a difference in the world.
Featured Online MSW Programs
- University of Southern California – Master of Social Work
- Walden University – Master of Social Work
But despite the philanthropic nature of social work, it is not a career for volunteers. Most jobs in the private and public sector require several years of schooling, which can cost a student thousands and potentially leave them heavily in debt. Fortunately, there are a number of great scholarships specifically geared toward social work majors. And in order to assist you in finding the scholarship or scholarships that are right for you, here is a list of the 25 most popular and most generous for undergraduate and graduate social work students alike.
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1. Presbyterian Church USA Student Opportunity Scholarships
Young members of the Presbyterian Church who have completed their sophomore year and are in good academic standing are eligible to apply for this scholarship, which can include awards as high as $2,000. Students must be pursuing a degree in education, social service, or religious studies and must be able to prove a need for financial assistance. Minorities and those from extremely poor backgrounds are often given preferential consideration. A personal essay about the faith of the applicant as well as student transcripts are required at the time of application.
2. Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarship
Provided by the American Legacy Foundation, the Dr. Alma S. Adams Scholarship for Outreach and Health Communications awards $5,000 each to two students who can properly demonstrate their service to an economically or socially disadvantaged community. A focus on reducing alcohol, tobacco and drug use is preferred, and students must have maintained a 3.0 GPA for their most recent course year. An essay describing the students achievements is required at the time of application, as is proof of academic good standing.
3. Bethesda Lutheran Communities Service Scholarship
One of many social work scholarships provided by religious institutions, this program provides up to $10,000 in grants to active Lutheran students whose careers will benefit people with developmental disabilities. Eligible students must have a 3.0 GPA and provide letters of recommendation along with their applications. The best candidates are those who can demonstrate a sincere desire to work specifically with disabled individuals upon graduation.
4. Jewish Community Center (JCC) North American Graduate Scholarship
Another very generous scholarship opportunity for future social workers, this grant is geared toward full-time students whose career path will someday take them to work in the JCC movement. Eligible students can receive assistance up to $10,000 per year for a one or two-year period, but must coordinate with a scholarship coach to complete field work within the JCC community. Recipients must also agree to work for the JCC movement for a minimum of two years following their graduation.
5. Maryland Graduate and Professional School Scholarship
There are a number of social work scholarships that are specific to a certain school or state, and this is one of the most popular. Available to Maryland residents who are enrolled in a full or part-time program at some of the larger Maryland schools and who are able to demonstrate a financial need, the scholarship awards between $1,000 and $5,000 per year to students pursuing careers in social work or medicine. Transcripts and letters of recommendation are best submitted with an application.
Featured Online MSW Programs
- University of Southern California – Master of Social Work
- Walden University – Master of Social Work
6. Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to social work majors earning master’s degrees who have demonstrated a special commitment to working with American Indian, Inuit or Hispanic communities. Scholarships vary depending on funding, but have been known to reach $4,000 each, with 10 or so students becoming recipients every year. Students must be NASW members and have already applied for a master’s program (MSW). A personal essay and professional / academic references are required.
7. Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship
Administered by the National Association of Social Workers, this scholarship is available to students pursuing a master’s degree in social work who have demonstrated a commitment to addressing healthcare and mental health issues within the African American community. Two scholarships are awarded annually in varying amounts, depending on the available NASW funds. Students must be NASW members, maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA and must compose a personal biographical essay for consideration.
8. CSWE Scholars Program
The Council on Social Work Education provides this unique scholarship to doctoral students who have demonstrated a commitment to research projects that are of interest to the CSWE. Students must apply through the CSWE, and grants will be dolled out based on need and funding. Students and or faculty are eligible for this grant, provided they can demonstrate that their project fits the guidelines outlined by the application.
9. John A. Hartford Foundation Fellowship Grants
In order to further social work education and help students better prepare themselves for the workforce, the John A. Hartford Foundation offers a number of grants to both students and active social workers. This initiative is intended to draw more students toward geriatric social work in order to address the concerns of an aging population. There are a number of grants available, with varying guidelines, amounting to nearly $300,000.
10. The Cenie Jomo Williams Award
One of several yearly scholarships offered by the National Association of Black Social Workers, the Cenie “Jomo” Williams award is available to African American students who support social, political and economic endeavors that will help better the lives of those in the African American community. Two awards of $2,000 each are given out annually to students who can demonstrate their commitment to continuing the Cenie Williams legacy. Applicants should submit college transcripts as well as letters of recommendation and achievement.
Featured Online MSW Programs
- University of Southern California – Master of Social Work
- Walden University – Master of Social Work
11. Emma & Myeloid Algood Undergraduate Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is offered in honor of its namesakes’ tireless dedication to the poor in their community, despite their lack of proper education or training. The scholarship is awarded through the National Association of Black Social Workers to an African American student who has shown similar dedication to improving the standard of living in the black community. A two to three page purpose letter must be submitted to the NABSW, as well as letters of recommendation or achievement.
12. Dr. Joyce Beckett Graduate Student Tuition Scholarship
Designed to assist African American graduate students who plan to provide much needed social services to their local black community, this $1,000 scholarship is awarded through the National Association of Black Social Workers in honor of Dr. Joyce Beckett. Applicants are required to submit a two-to-three-page letter of purpose as well as several letters of recommendation. Transcripts and other evidence of personal achievement are welcome.
13. Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust
Available to New Hampshire residents who can demonstrate both financial need and enormous potential, this scholarship is awarded yearly in amounts varying from $2,000 to $5,000. Students must be pursuing social work, nursing or medicine, and must submit college transcripts, letters of recommendation and a completed Federal Student Aid application.
14. ABE Judith Holm Memorial Award
The American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work is a national organization that attempts to set across-the-board standards for the Social Work profession. Its Judith Holm Memorial Award is a $2,000 cash stipend intended to assist second-year graduate students who plan to become clinical social workers. Guidelines vary from year to year, but letters of recommendation and personal essays are usually required.
15. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund is a catch all for community activists whose goal is to support civil rights, economic justice and other progressive issues. Awards are based on financial need and can be as high as $10,000. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement, college transcripts and letters of support. Political and social activism are an absolute must.
Featured Online MSW Programs
- University of Southern California – Master of Social Work
- Walden University – Master of Social Work
16. The Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarship
Intended for students who can demonstrate both a financial necessity and a commitment to a graduate degree in community service, this scholarship is awarded to a few qualified individuals every year in various amounts. The maximum award is $8,500, and students are required to provide academic transcripts as well as the most recent tax returns of their parents. A GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is required.
17. The Roothbert Fund Scholarship
Students pursuing a degree in Social Work out of a desire for spiritual fulfillment may be eligible for one of these scholarships, which are open to all students at accredited universities and can range between $2,000 and $3,000. Students are required to prove financial hardship and submit a formal application. Afterwards, they must meet in person with a member of the Roothbert Fund, so individuals should be prepared to travel and give a great interview.
18. Sarah Haley Memorial Fund
Offered to students pursuing a Masters or PhD in Social Work, the Sarah Haley Memorial Fund is provided by The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. The grant is only available to applicants who can demonstrate a dedication to working with post-traumatic stress disorder from childhood sexual abuse, family violence and / or violence against women. Awards range up to $5,000, and application guidelines change annually.
19. Transgender Scholarship and Education Legacy Fund (TSELF)
Provided to transgender students pursing degrees in Social Services, Health Care and Law, this scholarship is reserved for those undergrads who have demonstrated a commitment to effecting change within the transgender community. Students are required to submit an application as well as supplemental information regarding school performance, financial hardship and / or special honors or achievements. Awards vary depending on donations and funding.
20. National Association of Puerto Rican Hispanic Social Workers (NAPRHSW)
First and second-year graduate students of Hispanic descent who are currently enrolled in a social work program may apply for this scholarship, which provides awards based on financial need and academic accomplishment. Students are required to submit an application demonstrating their commitment to issues that affect the Puerto Rican / Latino community as well as supplemental information about their background, goals and achievements.
Featured Online MSW Programs
- University of Southern California – Master of Social Work
- Walden University – Master of Social Work
21. UJA Federation — The Wiener Educational Center
New York students pursuing a degree in Social Work, Public Administration or Nonprofit leadership may apply for one of these scholarships, which are awarded based on financial need and educational aptitude. Students must demonstrate a desire to work within the Jewish community – particularly the pursuit of a career in Federation work. Students must be active within the UJA-Federation network and already have an internship at one of its affiliates.
22. United Jewish Communities Federation Executive Recruitment and Education Program
Students pursuing a master’s degree in social work and / or Jewish community service or administration are eligible for this scholarship, which dolls out thousands of dollars every year to qualified applicants. Students seeking to apply for the scholarship should have and maintain a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a willingness to work at the NAJF for a minimum of two to three years. Essay statements, transcripts and references are required at the time of application.
23. William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students
Offered by the Nonprofit Sector Research Fund of Washington, D.C., this scholarship is geared towards students pursuing degrees in an altruistic or non-profit field. Students should demonstrate academic excellence and be a member of some minority group. Awards range between $2,000 and $4,000, and students are required to participate in an internship with the Hearth Fellowship upon acceptance.
24. Survivors and Dependents Assistance (DEA)
Children of certain United States Armed Forces veterans may qualify for government grants and / or scholarships, regardless of their academic pursuits. Some students may receive up to 45 months of educational benefits to be used toward their degree. Amounts vary, and applications must be submitted through the Veteran’s Affairs office in coordination with one’s educational institution. Academic and financial advisers should be able to assist in this process.
25. The Hooyman Intergenerational Fellowship
This scholarship provides assistance to students pursuing fields where they will be working with older adults and their families in a multi-generational context. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, awards can range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. In order to qualify, students must agree to complete the Multigenerational Concentration program, where they will be required to work specifically with older adults in their final years of study. Personal statements, references and a resume are required at the time of application.
Featured Online MSW Programs
- University of Southern California – Master of Social Work
- Walden University – Master of Social Work
