25 Social Work Scholarships for Graduate Students & Undergraduate students

Social work is a practice-based profession that promotes change, development, cohesion and the empowerment of people and communities.

There are Social Work Scholarships for Graduate Students and undergraduate students, but some of these scholarships are available and can be applied by anyone interested. Therefore all you will do is to go through all of them and sort out the ones you are eligible for.

Before we further on the social work scholarships for graduate students and undergraduate students, let us elaborate more on what social work is.

What is social work?

Social work can be defined as a practice-based profession that promotes social change, development, cohesion and the empowerment of people and communities.

Social work professionals that are working with families and institutions have helped to provide and advance the following social impacts:

  • Civil Rights
  • Disability Pay
  • Medicaid and Medicare
  • Worker’s Compensation
  • Unemployment Insurance
  • Reduced Mental Health Stigma
  • Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention

In the United States, social work has been around for over 100 years with notable pioneers such as Jane Addams, Frances Perkeins etc. Now, who is a social worker?

Who is a social worker?

Social workers are professionals who aim to enhance the overall well-being and help meet the basic and complex needs of communities and people.

Social workers are known for their ability to work with many different populations and with different types of people, particularly focusing on those who are vulnerable, living in poverty and who are pressed.

Social workers may be required to participate in legislative processes that often result in the formation of social policies. However, it all depends on their specialty, job title and place of employment.

A lot of times they lean on the values and principles of social work, as well as academic research to carry out their work.

Social workers are educated, they are trained to address social injustices and barriers to the the overall wellbeing of their clients.

Some of the things they take care of in the process include:

  • Poverty
  • Unemployment
  • Discrimination
  • Lack of housing

That’s not all, they also provide support to communities and clients who are living with disabilities, experiences of domestic conflicts, or substance abuse problems.

Other things they focus on include diagnoses, treatments and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioural issues.

Other times they focus on research and the development of small or large scale programs to help the community. Read on to see the Social Work Scholarships for Graduate Students & Undergraduates.

The best Social work Scholarships for Graduate Students & Undergraduates

The scholarships are not for graduate students alone, that simply means that some are open to both undergraduates and graduates.

Also, the deadlines for some of these scholarships have passed, but this list comprises scholarship programs that appears to be long-standing and might likely continue, if you missed them, just try later on or in a year’s time.

  • Drug Rehab USA Mental Health Scholarship for Future Mental Health Leaders
  • Alice M. and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust
  • Bethesda Lutheran Communities
  • Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta
  • Council On Social Work Education
  • Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
  • East Tennessee State University – Davis Murphy Scholarship
  • Hogg Foundation for Mental Health – Ima Hogg Scholarships
  • International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
  • Maryland Higher Education Commission
  • The Melanie Foundation
  • Mennonite Health Services Alliance
  • National Association of Black Social Workers
  • The National Association of Junior Auxiliaries
  • NASWF – Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial MSW Scholarship
  • NASWF – Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarship
  • New York State Chapter of the ARC
  • New York University Silver School of Social Work
  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
  • Phi Alpha Honor Society
  • Phi Gamma Mu Honor Society
  • Pride Foundation – Soaring Heart Scholarship Award
  • San Diego State University – Jane Beers School of Social Work Endowed Scholarship
  • University of Michigan School of Social Work – Caren Kaplan Endowed Scholarship Fund
  • University of North Carolina School of Social Work
  • Zeta National Education Foundation, Inc.

Now let us give details on the Social work Scholarships for Graduate Students & Undergraduates

Drug Rehab USA Mental Health Scholarship for Future Mental Health Leaders

The United States is experiencing a significant and growing deficit of psychiatrists, intensifying the already overwhelming demand for mental health services. This shortage has profound implications for individuals seeking timely and accessible psychiatric care, creating extended wait times for appointments, limited access to specialized services, and straining our mental health infrastructure.

In response to this pressing challenge, Drug Rehab USA is proud to introduce the Mental Health Scholarship, a $2,000 award designed to support aspiring mental health professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on individuals and communities. We believe in the transformative power of education and recognize the profound influence that mental health professionals can have on societal well-being.

About The Mental Health Scholarship

Eligibility:

–> Open to students enrolled in any mental health degree program, social work, and related fields.

Applicants must be committed to making a difference in the mental health field and demonstrate a passion for improving the lives of others.

Applicants must have an @.edu email to enter.


Application Process:

  • Submit a compelling piece of content (essay, video, artwork, or any creative medium) explaining why you are pursuing a mental health degree and outlining the positive impact you aspire to make.
  • Essays should be between 500-800 words, and videos should not exceed 5 minutes.
  • Express your passion creatively and authentically.
  • Clearly address why you chose a mental health degree and how you envision contributing to the field.
  • Must be a current student at any University in the United States, using your student email for eligibility.
  • Selection Criteria: A panel of mental health professionals and educators will evaluate submissions based on clarity of purpose, impactful vision, creativity and originality, and a genuine passion for mental health.

Important Details:

  • All submissions must be received by Jan 1st, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
  • The selected recipient will be awarded $2,000 to support their education and journey toward becoming a mental health professional.

How To Enter: Please email admin@drugrehabus.org using your .edu email from the university you are attending.

Learn more about our scholarship here: https://drugrehabus.org/mental-health-scholarship/

Alice M. and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust

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.

Scholarship Link

Bethesda Lutheran Communities

Scholarship Link

Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta

Scholarship Link

Council On Social Work Education

Scholarship Link

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Link

East Tennessee State University – Davis Murphy Scholarship

Scholarship Link

Hogg Foundation for Mental Health – Ima Hogg Scholarships

Scholarship Link

Maryland Higher Education Commission

Scholarship Link

The Melanie Foundation

Scholarship Link

Mennonite Health Services Alliance

Scholarship Link

National Association of Black Social Workers

Scholarship Link

The National Association of Junior Auxiliarie

Scholarship Link

NASWF – Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial MSW Scholarship

Scholarship Link

NASWF – Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarship

Scholarship Link

New York State Chapter of the ARC

Scholarship Link

New York University Silver School of Social Work

Scholarship Link

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Scholarship Link

Phi Alpha Honor Society

Scholarship Link

Phi Gamma Mu Honor Society

Scholarship Link

Pride Foundation – Soaring Heart Scholarship Award

Scholarship Link

San Diego State University – Jane Beers School of Social Work Endowed Scholarship

Scholarship Link

University of Michigan School of Social Work – Caren Kaplan Endowed Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Link

University of North Carolina School of Social Work

Scholarship Link

Zeta National Education Foundation, Inc.

Scholarship Link

Having seen the Social Work Scholarships for Graduate Students & Undergraduates, now let us discuss the different specialties of social workers.

The different specialties of social workers

The roles of a social worker include many diverse specializations. Here are some common responsibilities of social workers organized by different specialty areas:

  • Child, family, and school social workers 
  • Medical and public health social workers
  • Mental health and substance abuse social workers 

Child, family, and school social workers 

This class of social workers are into helping children, school staff, and family members resolve problems. In some cases, it may mean placing children in foster care.

They also work alongside students and teachers to address bullying, learning disabilities, and other impairments/barriers.


Medical and public health social workers

This class of social workers help those who are seriously ill and those who have chronic health problems in order to find adequate care and also have access to public resources like Medicare and Medicaid or locate services such as in-home nursing care.

They often play a critical role in supporting clients as they navigate the numerous healthcare and public service systems that coordinate healthcare.


Mental health and substance abuse social workers 

This class of social workers work with people who have mental health or substance abuse problems. Therapy is usually one common intervention that social workers use to help clients address these problems.

Another service these classes of social workers render is the provision of assistance to people in order for them to have access to rehabilitative programs or long-term mental health care.

What do you think about these Social Work Scholarships for Graduate Students & Undergraduates? Please leave a comment below.

Reference: https://www.collegeconsensus.com/scholarships/social-work-scholarships/

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