Grants and Scholarships

Derek L. Anderson MSW Memorial Scholarship

The Derek L. Anderson Memorial scholarship is given to Doctoral or MSW students who demonstrate leadership, support, or involvement in research or scholarship that promotes responsible and informed social work practice with Transgender, Bisexual, Lesbian or Gay (TBLG) individuals and/or communities. This award is provided to an enrolled student. Application instructions will be e-mailed to students during the academic year.

Return to top

Anti-Gender Oppression Scholarship

This scholarship funds social justice-oriented research, scholarly, or creative activities that are designed to have a direct impact on gender identity, gender expression, and/or anti-gender oppression, especially issues related to women’s and/or transgender communities. This award is provided to an enrolled student. Application instructions will be e-mailed to students during the academic year.

Return to top

Selena Brown Memorial Scholarship

Selena Brown Memorial Scholarship (Detroit Merit Scholarship) is awarded to a new student with a demonstrated commitment to the African-American community in Detroit.

Return to top

Child Welfare Scholarship Program

The University of Michigan School of Social Work Child Welfare Scholarships are awarded to at least ten students who are interested in becoming child welfare specialists. The purpose of the program is to train committed specialists in child welfare. Following graduation, child welfare specialists have worked as clinical social workers, therapists, program managers, executive directors, evaluators, community organizers, and policymakers.

Applicants to the MSW program request to be considered for the Child Welfare Specialist Scholarships at the time of application to the MSW program Professor Kathleen Faller serves as adviser to the Child Welfare Scholars.

These scholarships address the need for child welfare social workers. Students must note an interest in the Child Welfare Scholarship Program on their MSW applications to be considered for this award. Selection is based on demonstrated, outstanding potential for professional practice. Awards are based primarily on all previous academic work, recommendations, human services employment experience, the applicant's written supplementary statement and other application documents.

Special Features of the Child Welfare Scholarship Program
Scholarships:
  • Non Resident scholarships: $8000 per semester ($32,000 total award)
  • Resident scholarships: $4000 per semester ($16,000 total award)
Specialized Child Welfare-related Courses Available:
  • Practice Seminar in Child Welfare and Child Maltreatment: Assessment and Treatment (INTP 730)
  • Integrative Seminar: in Child Maltreatment (SWPS 739)
  • Interpersonal Practice with Children and Youth (INTP 625)
  • Children and Youth Services and Social Policies (SWPS 633)
  • Adolescent Development and Behavior (HB 601)
  • Infant and Child Development and Behavior (HB 605)
  • Social Work Practice with Children and Youth (CHLDY 696)
  • Mental Health and Mental Disorders of Children and Youth (HB 612)
Special Fieldwork Placements

Scholars will complete their internships in field placements that offer opportunities for cutting edge practice in child welfare. Agencies include the University of Michigan Family Assessment Clinic, Michigan Department of Human Services, Catholic Social Services of Jackson County, Children's Center of Michigan, and Vista Maria.

Application
  • All potential MSW applicants who want to specialize in child welfare social work are invited to apply.
  • Admitted students who are awarded the Scholarship must enroll in the 16-month curriculum (which includes enrollment in the following Spring/Summer Term), complete the Children and Youth in Families and Society practice area concentration requirements, complete two child welfare special courses (SW 730 and SW 739), and complete a field placement in child welfare setting.
  • Indicate on the online or hardcopy MSW application that you are interested in the Child Welfare Scholarship on the bottom of page 3.

For more information about the Child Welfare Scholarship Program, contact the Office of Student Services at (734) 764-3309 or ssw.msw.info@umich.edu

Return to top

Eleanor Cranefield Scholarship

This fund was established in recognition of the outstanding and devoted services performed by Eleanor Cranefield in the field of social work. A number of scholarships of varying amounts are awarded to new interpersonal practice students. Selection is based on demonstrated outstanding potential for professional practice. Determination of awards is based on an evaluation of all previous academic work, recommendations, human services employment experience, the applicant's written supplementary statement and other application documents.

Return to top

Dean's Scholarship

The Dean's Scholarship is awarded to new and continuing students utilizing academic and practice related criteria as evidenced by the supplementary statement, recommendations and other application documents. Awards may be provided to students meeting one or more of the following criteria:

  • Evidence of substantial knowledge development
  • Evidence of substantial social work-related research
  • Evidence of outstanding volunteer or paid social work experience
  • Evidence of high academic achievement
  • Evidence of outstanding record in social activism

Return to top

Andrea Foote-Jack Erfurt Scholarship

This scholarship is designed to assist a student committed to career objectives in the area of social work and the workplace. This award is provided to an enrolled student. Application instructions will be e-mailed to students during the academic year.

Return to top

Geriatric Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a new student in the Aging and Families in Society concentration. Selection is based on demonstrated outstanding potential for professional practice. Determination of awards is based on an evaluation of all previous academic work, recommendations, human services employment experience, the applicant's written supplementary statement and other application.

Return to top

Geriatric Scholarship Program

The University of Michigan Geriatric Scholarship Program aims to address the need for geriatric social workers by creating more aging-rich placements and increasing the number of students in the field of health care and social work for older people. Scholars enroll in the 16-month curriculum; select the Aging in Families and Society Practice Area; and participate in all post-Scholarship evaluation activities, including job search/placement surveys. Students should note an interest in scholarships in the area of Gerontology on their application to be considered for this Scholarship. Selection is based on demonstrated, outstanding potential for professional practice. Determination of awards is based on an evaluation of all previous academic work, recommendations, employment experience in the human services, the applicant's written supplementary statement and other application documents.

Special Features of the Geriatric Scholarship Program
Student Stipends from $16,000 - $32,000
  • Non-resident stipends: $8000 per semester ($32,000 total award)
  • Resident stipends: $4000 per semester ($16,000 total award)
Specialized Geriatric Courses
  • A one-term integrative, multidisciplinary seminar (SW 693)
  • Policies and Services for the Elderly (SW 644)
  • Adulthood and Aging (SW 616)
  • Social Work with the Elderly (SW 694)
  • Mental Health and Mental Disorders of Adults and the Elderly (SW 612)
Application
  • All potential MSW applicants interested in geriatric social work are invited to apply. Particularly encouraged to apply are applicants interested in working with elders of color, and applicants concentrating in the following Practice Methods: Management of Human Services, Community Organization or Social Welfare Policy and Evaluation.
  • Applicants must enroll in the 16-month curriculum and in the Aging and Families in Society Practice Area concentration.
  • Indicate on the online or hardcopy MSW application that you are interested in the Geriatric Scholarship on the bottom of page 3.

Return to top

The Gus Harrison Scholarship in Social Work and Public Administration

A limited number of scholarships are available through the Gus Harrison Scholarship Fund for students interested in social work and public administration. Recommendations for these awards are made by the School of Social Work, and the amount is awarded by the University's Office of Financial Aid based on need. Determination of awards is based on an evaluation of all previous academic work, recommendations, human services employment experience, the applicant's written supplementary statement and other application documents. This award is provided to an enrolled student.

Return to top

Arthur L. Johnson Endowed Scholarship

The Arthur L. Johnson Endowed Scholarship, made possible by a gift from Richard and Susan Rogel, honored Arthur Johnson upon his retirement as President of the Detroit Chapter of the NAACP. Selection is based on demonstrated, outstanding potential for professional practice. Determination of awards is based on an evaluation of all previous academic work, recommendations, human services employment experience, the applicant's written supplementary statement and other application documents.

Return to top

Kenneth G. Lutterman Memorial Scholarship

The Kenneth G. Lutterman Memorial Scholarship is made possible by a gift from his wife, Jean, in memory of her husband. The Scholarship is awarded to a second-year MSW student in good standing who is concentrating in the Practice Area of Mental Health. Selection is based on demonstrated, outstanding potential for professional practice. Determination of awards shall be based primarily on an evaluation of all previous undergraduate and graduate academic work, recommendations, employment experience in the human services, the applicant's written supplementary statement and other application documents. This award is provided to an enrolled student. Application instructions will be e-mailed to students during the academic year.

Return to top

Merit Scholarships

The School of Social Work awards Merit Scholarships to incoming and continuing students in two areas:

  • Academic/Knowledge Development/Experience
  • Mission
Academic/Knowledge Development/Experience Scholarship Criteria:

Merit based financial aid is awarded utilizing academic and practice-related criteria as evidenced by the supplementary statement, recommendations and other application file documentation. Awards may be provided to students meeting one or more of the following criteria:

  • evidence of substantial knowledge development accomplishments
  • evidence of substantial social work-related research experience
  • evidence of outstanding volunteer or paid social work experience
  • evidence of high academic achievement
  • evidence of outstanding record in social activism

Mission Scholarship criteria:

Mission-based financial aid is awarded to students who have demonstrated intellectual and personal qualities likely to lead to roles and careers central to the social welfare system. This includes a commitment to engaging in roles that involve social welfare institutions and systems most likely to impact major social problems and that serve the most economically and socially disadvantaged groups in society. Personal qualifications considered essential to successful social work practice such as sensitivity and responsiveness in relationships, concern for the needs of others, adaptability, good judgment, creativity, integrity and skill in written communication will be considered. This determination shall be based primarily on an evaluation of all previous academic work, recommendations, human service employment experience, the applicant's written supplementary statement and other application documents.

Return to top

Michigan Scholarships

Scholarship eligibility: Incoming and continuing students will be evaluated for Michigan Scholarships provided they have completed and submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the Financial Aid Application for Grants/Scholarships from School of Social Work Resources.

Michigan Scholarships are based on financial need, and academic performance.

Return to top

Opportunity Grants

Grant eligibility: new and continuing students will be evaluated for Opportunity Grant eligibility provided they have completed and submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the School of Social Work Financial Aid Form.

Opportunity Grants are based primarily on financial need.

Return to top

Mervin and Helen S. Pregulman Scholarship

This Scholarship is awarded to a student involved in Jewish communal service.

Return to top

Rainbow Network Scholarship

The Rainbow Network Scholarship was established by Patricia Edwards, a U-M SSW alumna who seeks to empower students who are making significant contributions toward a more just and equitable society for all people-specifically, students who are transgender, bisexual, lesbian, gay, and (TBLG) identified, and those who are allies.

Her hope is to assist students who possess a high degree of integrity, and who have demonstrated leadership, support of or involvement in organizations, activities, issues or scholarship that promote responsible and informed social work practice with TBLG individuals and/or communities in the pursuit of their educational goals. The selection is made by a committee comprised of the faculty liaison to the Rainbow Network and Rainbow Network alumni. This award is provided to an enrolled student. Application instructions will be e-mailed to students during the academic year.

Return to top

Eleanor Sabo Scholarship

The Sabo Scholarship is awarded to a second year MSW student who demonstrates academic excellence; during the student’s first or second year in the program while placed in a foster care and/or adoption field setting. This scholarship is awarded to a student planning on practicing in the area of foster care or adoption upon graduation. This award is provided to an enrolled student. Application instructions will be e-mailed to students during the academic year.

Return to top

Rosemary Sarri Endowed Scholarship

The Rosemary Sarri Endowed Scholarship was made possible by gifts of alumni and friends to honor Dr. Rosemary Sarri on her retirement from the School of Social Work. Dr. Sarri generously matched these contributions to increase the fund. This scholarship is awarded to an MSW student or a doctoral student in alternating years. Preference is given to students specializing in Community Organization or Social Welfare Policy and Evaluation. Selection is based on demonstrated, outstanding potential for professional practice. This award is provided to an enrolled student. Application instructions will be e-mailed to students during the academic year.

Return to top

School of Social Work Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to incoming MSW students each year. Selection is based on demonstrated, outstanding potential for professional practice. Determination of award is based on an evaluation of all previous academic work, recommendations, human services employment experience, the applicant's written supplementary statement and other application documents.

Return to top

School of Social Work Gerontology-related Expenses Fund

School of Social Work Gerontology-related Expenses Fund provides assistance for MSW students in the Aging and Families in Society Practice Area. The awards are designed to help address students’ professional needs. The needs would include areas such as membership dues and conference related expenses. This award is provided to enrolled students. Application instructions will be e-mailed to students during the academic year.

Return to top

Harold T. and Vivian B. Shapiro Prize

This award is provided annually to a student with distinguished achievement. The award alternates each year between MSW and PhD students. This award is provided to an enrolled student. Application instructions will be e-mailed to students during the academic year.

Return to top

Howard and Judith Sims Children and Family Scholarship

This Scholarship was made possible by a gift from Howard and Judith Sims. Students concentrating in Children and Youth in Families and Society are eligible for this award. Selection is based on demonstrated, outstanding potential for professional practice. Determination of awards is based primarily on all previous academic work, recommendations, employment experience in the human services, the applicant's written supplementary statement and other application documents. This award is provided to an enrolled student.

Return to top

Shirley Falconer Slayman Memorial Award

The Shirley Falconer Slayman Memorial Award provides tuition support for MSW students. Special consideration is given to students who have overcome substantial economic obstacles. . This award is provided to an enrolled student. Application instructions will be e-mailed to students during the academic year.

Return to top

Jim Wahlberg Dean’s Scholarship

This Dean’s Scholarship is provided to the recipient of the Jim Wahlberg Award. The selection process is conducted by the Bachelor Program Directors (BPD) organization. For more information visit the BPD web site: http://bpdupdateonline.org

Return to top

Wheeler Family Memorial Scholarships

These endowed scholarships are provided by the estate of Philip R. Wheeler. Several scholarships of varying amounts are awarded to incoming MSW students. Selection is based on demonstrated, outstanding potential for professional practice. Determination of awards is based on an evaluation of all previous academic work, recommendations, human services employment experience, the applicant's written supplementary statement and other application documents.

Return to top

Eileen Wilson Memorial Award

The Wilson award supports students in the Geriatric Social Work Scholarship Program. Funds support students who have limited financial resources with items such as text books and gerontology journal subscriptions, fees for training sessions and mileage to conferences, field work or in-service training in southeastern Michigan. This award is provided to an enrolled student. Application instructions will be e-mailed to students during the academic year.

Return to top

Robert and Judith Wollack

The Wollock Scholarship is awarded to a MSW student interested in working with adolescent males in the juvenile justice system. This award is provided to an enrolled student.

Return to top