Grants and Scholarships

Alumni Society Fellowship in Children and Families Program

This Fellowship was established by alumni contributions along with matching funds provided by the Ann and Robert Lurie Family Foundation. It is awarded to an outstanding student in the Children and Youth in Families in Society concentration.

Alumni Society Fellowship in Children and Families Program Application

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Derrick L. Anderson Memorial MSW 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.

The 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 (TBLG), or 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, scholarship, or issues 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.

Derrick Anderson Memorial MSW Scholarship Application.

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Anti-Gender Oppression Scholarship

The Anti-Gender Oppression Scholarship funds social justice-oriented research and 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.

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The Ara Cary Fellowship in Child & Family Programs

This Fellowship was established by the estate of Ara Cary along with matching funds provided by the Ann and Robert Lurie Family Foundation. It is awarded to a deserving student interested in child welfare and specializing in children and families.

The Ara Cary Fellowship in Child & Family Programs Application

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Selena Brown Memorial Scholarship

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

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Child Welfare Scholarship Program

The Child Welfare Scholarships are awarded to at least 10 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 policy makers.

These scholarships address the need for child welfare social workers. Selection is based on demonstrated, outstanding potential for professional child welfare practice. Awards are based primarily on all previous academic work, recommendations, human services employment experience, the applicant's written supplementary statement, and scholarship application materials.

Child Welfare Scholarship Stipends
  • Nonresident stipend: $10,000 per semester ($40,000 total award)
  • Resident stipend: $5000 per semester ($20,000 total award)
Child Welfare-Related Courses
  • Practice Seminar in Child Welfare and Child Maltreatment: Assessment and Treatment
  • Integrative Seminar: Child Maltreatment
  • Interpersonal Practice with Children and Youth
  • Children and Youth Services and Social Policies
  • Adolescent Development and Behavior Infant and Child Development and Behavior
  • Social Work Practice with Children and Youth
  • Mental Health and Mental Disorders of Children and Youth
Special Fieldwork Placements

Child Welfare 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.

  • All potential MSW applicants who want to specialize in child welfare social work are invited to apply.
  • To Apply click here. Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2009 (early application) or February 1, 2010 (priority). Selection of applicants will be made at both dates and your MSW application must be complete by the scholarship application deadline.
  • Applicants should select a Children and Youth in Families and Society practice area on their MSW Application
  • 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 a child welfare setting.

For more information about the Child Welfare Scholarship Program, contact the Office of Student Services at 734-936-0961 or ssw.msw.info@umich.edu.

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Community-Based Initiative Program

Community-Based Initiative Program(CBI) positions will be awarded to a maximum of 20 incoming students who are interested in specializing in community-based work. The purpose of the program is to train committed specialists in community-based work through courses, projects, and field placements in southwest Detroit and east Dearborn. These communities are some of the most diverse in southeastern Michigan, with perhaps the highest concentration of social service and community development organizations in the area. Following graduation, community-based specialists have worked as community organizers, policymakers, program planners, managers, administrators, therapists and in clinical case management.

The mission of the Community-Based Initiative Program is to work together with the diverse communities of southwest Detroit and Dearborn to strengthen student learning and practice while addressing community identified priorities and needs. This entails a commitment to providing an exemplary educational experience for students, building the capacity of community organizations and groups, and employing participant driven community-based research methods to meet the needs of communities and residents.

Community-Based Initiative Program Funding
  • Nonresident awards: $10,000 per semester ($40,000 total award)
  • Resident awards: $5,000 per semester ($20,000 total award)
Special Fieldwork Placements

Students accepting CBI positions will complete their internships in field placements that offer opportunities for cutting edge practice in community-based field agencies. These placements must be in Detroit (includes Highland Park, Hamtramck, and Mid-Eastern communities of East Dearborn that are directly adjacent to Detroit’s boundary). Agencies include:

  • Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS)
  • AIDS Partnership Michigan
  • Alternatives for Girls
  • American Indian Health and Family Services
  • Catholic Social Services of Wayne County
  • Cesar Chavez Academy
  • CHASS Center
  • Communities in Schools
  • Creekside Community Development Corporation
  • Fort Street Presbyterian – Open Door
  • LA SED
  • Latino Family Services
  • M & M Fisher Foundation
  • Matrix Theatre Company
  • People's Community Services
  • Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC) of Michigan – Detroit
  • Southwest Solutions (Counseling and Housing)
  • St. Ignatius Housing Corporation
  • The Greening of Detroit
  • UM – SSW Technical Assistance Center / Good Neighborhood Initiative
  • UM – SSW REACH Program
  • UM – SSW Detroit Initiative
  • United Way of Southeast Michigan
  • Wolverine Human Services
Application

All potential MSW students who are interested in community-based work in an urban setting are invited to apply.

Fall 2010 applicants must submit the Community-Based Initiative Program application and statement by December 1, 2009 (early application) or February 1, 2010 (priority). Selection of applicants will be made at both dates and your MSW application must be complete by the scholarship application deadline.

Admitted students who accept the CBI position must enroll in the 16-month curriculum (which includes enrollment in the following spring/summer term), complete the Community and Social Systems concentration requirements, complete winter term CBI sections of SW 647 and SW 697, attend the CBI Integrative Seminar: Social Work in Diverse Urban Communities (fall and winter terms), and complete community-based field placement in Detroit or Dearborn.

For more information about the Community-Based Initiative Program, contact the Office of Student Services at 734-936-0961 or socialwork@umich.edu.

Community-Based Initiative Program Website

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Eleanor Cranefield Scholarship

The Eleanor Cranefield Scholarship 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.

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School of Social Work 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

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Andrea Foote-Jack Erfurt Scholarship

The Andrea Foote-Jack Erfurt 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.

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Geriatric Scholarship

The Geriatric 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 documents. For more information, see the Incoming Student Blog.

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Geriatric Scholarship Program

The 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. Selection is based on demonstrated, outstanding potential for professional geriatric 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 scholarship application materials.

Geriatric Scholarship Stipends
  • Nonresident stipends: $10,000 per semester ($40,000 total award)
  • Resident stipends: $5,000 per semester ($20,000 total award)
Specialized Geriatric Courses
  • A one-term integrative, multidisciplinary seminar
  • Policies and Services for the Elderly
  • Adulthood and Aging
  • Social Work with the Elderly
  • Mental Health and Mental Disorders of Adults and the Elderly
Application
  • All potential MSW applicants interested in geriatric social work are invited to apply. Applicants must enroll in the 16-month curriculum and in the Aging and Families in Society Practice Area concentration.
  • To apply click here. Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2009 (early application) or February 1, 2010 (priority). Selection of applicants will be made at both dates and your MSW application must be complete by the scholarship application deadline.

For more information about the Geriatric Scholarship Program, contact the Office of Student Services at 734-936-0961 or ssw.msw.info@umich.edu.

The Geriatric Scholarship Program

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The Gus Harrison Scholarship in Social Work and Public Administration

A limited number of scholarships are available through the Gus Harrison Scholarship 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.

The Gus Harrison Scholarship Application

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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.

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Katherine Reebel Scholarship Fund

The Kay Reebel Scholarship Fund is made possible by a gift from Katherine R. Reebel, emeritus professor of the School of Social Work. The Award funds are used to provide tuition support for MSW students.

Katherine Reebel Scholarship Application

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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.

Kenneth G. Lutterman Memorial Scholarship Application

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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.

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Michigan Scholarships

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 School of Social Work financial aid application for grants/scholarships.

Michigan Scholarships are based on financial need and academic performance.

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National Community Scholars Program

The University of Michigan School of Social Work is pleased to announce the National Community Scholars Program. The purpose of the program is to prepare professionals for enabling young people and adult allies to create community change.

Approximately six scholars will be selected each year to participate in the program. National Community Scholars will gain skills to organize groups for social action, plan programs at the local level, advocate for socially just policies, and develop community-based services.

Participants gain special skills for community-based research to apply in their practicum.

Program Funding

Each scholar will receive a $5,000 stipend for the spring/summer field placement to assist with travel and living expenses.

Curriculum and Courses

The program provides a pathway through the curriculum and academic advising about relevant courses, such as:

  • National Community Scholars Orientation Course
  • Policies and Services for Social Participation and Community Well-Being
  • Social Work Practice with Community and Social Systems
  • Social Change Theories
  • Contemporary Cultures in the United States
  • Community Development
  • Organizing for Social and Political Action
  • Planning for Organizational and Community Change
  • Concepts and Techniques of Community Participation
  • Community-Based Policy Advocacy
  • Multicultural and Multilingual Organizing
  • Intergroup Dialogue Facilitation
  • Many more!
Special Fieldwork Placements

The National Community Scholars Program summer field placement is coordinated by the Michigan Youth and Community Program, which places students with experienced practitioners who promote youth participation and community change. Unique field opportunities for scholars are available in one of the following areas:

  • Mississippi Delta, an area rich with diversity and history known for its unique role in the civil rights movement.
  • Central Appalachia, an area in the mountains and coalfields of eastern Kentucky known for its strong cultural and activist traditions.
  • San Francisco Bay Area, a culturally diverse urban area with a dense concentration of community youth organizations.
  • Midwestern communities facing economic hardship from auto industry restructuring and plant closures.
Program Requirements
  • Applicants must be enrolled in the Advanced Standing or 16-month curriculum schedule and select the Community and Social Systems practice area concentration.
  • Applicants may select from the following practice methods: Community Organization, Management of Human Services, and Social Policy and Evaluation.
  • Scholars enroll in a one-credit orientation course and 7-8 field placement credits in the spring/summer term. The schedule will differ for Advanced Standing students.
Application
  • All potential MSW applicants who are interested in community change are invited to apply.
  • Fall 2010 applicants must submit the National Community Scholars Program application and essay by December 1, 2009 (early application) or February 1, 2010 (priority deadline). Selection of applicants will be made at both dates and your MSW application must be complete by the scholarship application deadline.

For more information about this program, contact the Office of Student Services at 734-936-0961 or ssw.msw.info@umich.edu.

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Opportunity Grants

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 application for grants/scholarships.

Opportunity Grants are based primarily on financial need.

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Mervin and Helen S. Pregulman Scholarship

The Mervin and Helen S. Pregulman Scholarship is awarded to a student involved in Jewish communal service.

Mervin and Helen S. Pergulman Scholarship Application

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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, and while placed in a foster care and/or adoption field setting. This scholarship is awarded to an enrolled student planning on practicing in the area of foster care or adoption upon graduation.

Eleanor Sabo Scholarship Application

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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.

Rosemary Sarri Endowed Scholarship Application

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School of Social Work Scholarships

School of Social Work 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.

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School of Social Work Gerontology-Related Expenses Fund

The 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, including areas such as membership dues and conference-related expenses. This award is provided to enrolled students.

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Harold T. and Vivian B. Shapiro Prize

The Harold T. and Vivian B. Shapiro Prize 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.

Harold T. and Vivian B. Shapiro Application

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Howard and Judith Sims Endowed Fellowship in Children and Family Scholarship Program

The Howard and Judith Sims Children and Family 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.

Howard and Judith Sims Endowed Fellowship Application

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Jewish Communal Leadership Program

The University of Michigan School of Social Work announces the Jewish Communal Leadership Program (JCLP) for MSW students. Offered in partnership with the Jean and Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies, the Jewish Communal Leadership Program presents a distinctive educational opportunity for individuals committed to helping Jewish communities meet 21st-century challenges while addressing broader social concerns. Students combine study of community systems, theories of social change, and Jewish history and community, with training and experience in community organizing, non-profit management, dialogue facilitation, and coalition building within and across groups.

Approximately six incoming students will be selected to participate in the program each year. The range of professional opportunities available to JCLP graduates include those of program developer, coordinator, and director; organizer of community outreach and development; and agency executive and director.

Program Funding
  • Nonresident students: $47,000 award
  • Resident students: $23,500 award
JCLP Course Options
  • Four-term Integrative Leadership Seminar
  • Contemporary Cultures in the United States
  • American Jews and Social Justice
  • Sociology of the American Jewish Community
  • Modern Jewish Thought
  • The Arab-Jewish Conflict in the Middle East
  • Planning for Organizational and Community Change
  • Training in Intergroup Dialogue Facilitation
Fieldwork Placements

JCLP students have supervised fieldwork opportunities and serve as nonvoting board members at a range of Jewish communal, service, and educational agencies in Michigan and Ohio. Summer field placements offer national and international opportunities.

Program Requirements
  • The JCLP is a five-semester (twenty-month) program, which includes all MSW requirements, 15 credits of Judaic Studies, and an intensive summer field placement.
  • JCLP participants can select from the Community Organizing or Management of Human Services Practice Methods and must select the Community and Social Systems Practice Area. Students will also complete a Certificate in Jewish Communal Service and Judaic Studies.
  • JCLP participants will serve on the governing board of a Jewish nonprofit organization as a participant in the University of Michigan Nonprofit and Public Management Center’s Board Fellowship Program.
Application

All potential MSW students interested in the challenges and needs of 21st-century Jewish communities are invited to apply. Fall 2010 applicants must apply by December 1, 2009 (early decision) or February 1, 2010 (priority). Click here to apply.

For more information about the Jewish Communal Leadership Program and for application materials, visit their website or contact the Office of Student Services at 734-936-0961 or ssw.msw.info@umich.edu.

Jewish Communal Leadership Program Website

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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.

Shirley Falconer Slayman Memorial Award Application

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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 website at www.bpdupdateonline.org.

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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.

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Eileen Willson Memorial Award

The Eileen Willson Memorial Award supports students in the Geriatric Social Work Scholarship Program. Funds support students who have limited financial resources with items such as textbooks and gerontology journal subscriptions, fees for training sessions, mileage to conferences, and fieldwork or in-service training in southeastern Michigan. This award is provided to an enrolled student.

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Robert and Judith Wollack Scholarship

The Robert and Judith Wollack Scholarship is awarded to an MSW student interested in working with adolescent males in the juvenile justice system. This award is provided to an enrolled student.

Robert and Judith Wollack Scholarship Application

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