MSW Scholarships
Through the generosity of donors to the School of Social Work who believe in the potential each student has to make a difference in our communities, we are pleased to offer the following scholarships in support of students pursuing the Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree
MSW Scholarships
Below you will find brief descriptions of each scholarship. Scholarship amounts are also listed, but please note that these are estimates and are subject to change.
Students may apply by using the online application. Only one application is needed for consideration for all scholarships. Applications will be screened to determine eligibility for each award. The 2023-2024 application details will be available by August 1, 2023. Please ensure that your application includes all necessary components, as incomplete applications will not be considered. While not all awards require letters of support or writing samples, all students are encouraged to provide these additional materials to support their applications. Letters of support can be uploaded via this online form.
| Scholarship | Requirements | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Adah Hopkins Aime Scholarship | Awarded to a student who has experienced hardship during their MSW studies and persevered. Letter of support required. | $2,225 |
| Becca Nimmer Marcus Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving BSW or MSW student with a strong interest in the field of mental health. Academic merit and financial need will also be considered in the selection process. | $1,600 |
| Ruppert Downing Field Education Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student performing unpaid field service as part of their degree program. | $700 |
| Educational Opportunity Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student with preference given to a member of an Indigenous tribe or a student of Black or Indigenous decent, and other People of Color (BIPOC). All races and ethnicities will be considered and are encouraged to apply. | $4,490 |
| Janice M. Hartman Memorial Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student with preference given to non-traditional students that have worked in the field. | $1,175 |
| Sue Keller Memorial Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student specializing in mental health. | $1,000 |
| John K. Gibson & Nancy L. White-Gibson Scholarship in Social Work | Awarded to a deserving BSW or MSW student who has demonstrated commitment to any of the following areas: social justice, restorative justice, civil rights, and/or experience working with marginalized persons. A letter of support is required from a person familiar with your interests and experience as they relate to the above. Examples include (but are not limited to) a member of the faculty or staff at the School of Social Work, or a social work professional from the community. | $1,000 |
| Dr. Marietta Stevenson Memorial Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student who has a demonstrated interest in social work policy and can provide supporting evidence of leadership. Examples can include (but are not limited to) contributions to class projects, student organizations, community service, and internship experiences. | $1,100 |
| Mark P. Hale Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student who demonstrates outstanding scholarship and potential for making a significant contribution to the social work profession. Applicants are encouraged to provide a writing sample. A letter of support from a faculty member is required. | $725 |
| Michael C. Langendorf Memorial Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student in the school social work specialization in honor of the late alumnus Michael C. Langendorf. | TBA |
| Miranda J. Dresing Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student who will be entering an unpaid internship in the field of mental health. Preference shall be given to students with demonstrated financial need and who have received their undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. | TBA |
| Patchner-Ramanathan Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student with preference given to candidates concentrating in the areas of health care and/or providing care for the older adult population. | $700 |
| Ron Moorman Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student specializing in the field of child welfare. | $450 |
| Roxie A. Watson Memorial Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student who has succeeded academically in spite of obstacles and demonstrates a desire to make a difference. Preference given to students who may not qualify for traditional financial assistance and/or identify as single parents, direct caregivers, and/or veterans. | TBD |
| Samuel and Ruth Blinick Memorial Scholarship in Geriatrics | Awarded to a deserving MSW student who plans to work with the older adult population after graduation. | $590 |
| Scholarship for School Social Workers | Awarded to a deserving MSW student pursuing the School Social Work concentraiton. | TBA |
| Shirley Wattenberg Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving MSW student specializing in the field of health care. | $1,625 |
| Mur & Henry Taylor Scholarship in Social Work | Awarded to a deserving MSW student with preference given to non-traditional students returning to school to further their education and experience in the field of social work. | $4,375 |
| Jim and Joanna Dudley Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving BSW or MSW student with preference given to those interested in social work at the macro practice level to address and overcome such problems as poverty, discrimination, poor health, and hopelessness in the lives of others. | Not available 23-24AY |
| Esther and Marvin Steinberg Memorial Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving student with preference given to those that have experienced being homeless, or have worked with homeless and/or hunger-related issues. Additional consideration given to students who demonstrate future plans to work with homeless populations and/or persons experiencing food insecurity. | TBA |
| Dr. Hong Li Memorial Scholarship | Awarded to a deserving School of Social Work student with preference given to students who demonstrate an interest in working with and/or researching aging and aging populations. | TBA |
| Dr. Jan Carter-Black Scholarship for Commitment to Diversity and Leadership Fund | Awarded to a deserving SW student who demonstrates high academic achievement, a commitment to the School and the campus community through invovlement and leadership, and a commitment to diversity through research or practice. Letter of support required. | TBA |
| National Alliance on Mental Illness of Champaign County Scholarship | Awarded to MSW students with preference for students specializing in the mental health concentration. | $2,000 |
| Youngsoon Park Memorial Scholarship in Social Work | Awarded to BSW or MSW students who are passionate and committed to improving the well-being of the Korean American community in the United States. Preference given to students who are conversationally bi-lingual in English and Korean languages and/or have demonstrated financial need. Further preference shall be given to students who have made ongoing efforts to learn and serve the Korean American community, such as independent study or volunteer experience in the Korean American community, and students participating in a study abroad program in Korea through the University. | $1,000 |
MSW Award Description and Requirements