Scholarships and Awards For MSW Students
Robert D. Albrecht Graduate Social Work Scholarship #
Robert D. Albrecht graduated from the School of Social Work in 1964 with a Masters of Art degree specializing in Mental Health. Bob retired as the regional director for the Department of Health and Social Services for Southwestern Wisconsin where he used his graduate social work education in Mental Health, Policy, and Leadership capacities. He was a first generation college graduate whose education was made possible by a scholarship.
Requirements:
- MSW student with a focus in Mental Health Addictions.
- Describe your academic and professional interest in mental health and addictions (500 word essay). Include one paragraph (no more than 50 words) stating the financial reasons that may affect your ability to complete course of study within the IU School of Social Work.
Agnes Anderson Memorial Fund #
Agnes Anderson was a faculty member of the IU Division of Social Service from 1945 to 1956. A fund was established in 1956 in memorial to Agnes Anderson awarding a current student for their distinguished academic achievements.
Requirements:
- BSW or MSW student.
- Describe your distinguished academic achievements. (500 word essay)
Debora B. Northway-Andler Memorial Graduate Social Work Scholarship #
Deborah Northway-Andler received her MSW degree from Indiana University in 1982. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and concentrated her practice in the area of mental health with families. Her family created this fund in her memory to support scholarships for students pursuing an MSW degree and have financial need.
Requirements:
- MSW student.
- Describe your financial need, stating the financial reasons that may affect your ability to complete course of study within IU School of Social Work (one page).
Suzanne J. And Roy W. Awalt Graduate Social Work Scholarship #
Suzanne J. Awalt received her MSW from the IU School of Social Work in 1971. She entered the Air Force with the rank of Captain, and received her doctorate degree in Social Welfare from the University of California-Berkley. Suzanne lived a life of service through her social work career and volunteerism, including volunteering for 30 years with Heifer Project International. This fund was established in 2021 to support graduate social work students who have financial need and have a desire to relieve suffering and promote social welfare solutions.
Requirements:
- MSW student who has financial need.
- Describe your return to school as a non-traditional student and your career goals OR your career plans to practice in the field of education (500 word essay)
- Describe how you would promote social welfare solutions to individual and community needs (through service, teaching, research, advocacy, or other pursuits, include one paragraph outlining your financial need for this scholarship (500 word essay).
Barbara Hirsch Bass Scholarship/Fellowship #
Barbara Hirsch Bass earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Service from IU in 1956. As a volunteer, she has helped people cope with mental illness so that they could lead independent and productive lives. This fund was established in 2006 to be used to support scholarships for students pursuing a degree at IUSSW.
Requirements:
- BSW or MSW student.
- Describe your commitment to a career in social service and how the student will utilize funds from this award. (500 word essay)
Behroozi Scholarship For The Study Of Social Work With Groups #
Dr. Cyrus Behroozi, IUSSW professor emeritus, earned his master’s degree from the IU Division of Social Service in 1962. As a professor he taught group work and group dynamics. He has been a very involved member of the social work community locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. Dr. Behroozi was an IUSSW Associate Dean for four years. He was the first president of the Indiana Chapter of the Association for Social Work with Groups and, for several years, a member of the CSWE Commission on Accreditation. This fund was established in 2003 by Dr. Behroozi and his wife, Helga, to encourage and support education for social work with groups.
Requirements (IU Indianapolis campus only):
- Full-time MSW student.
- Describe your interest in social work with groups through such experiences as field practicum, employment, and/or as a volunteer. (500 word essay)
Stephanie Allison Black Scholarship #
Stephanie Allison Black received her MSW from the IU School of Social Work in 1996. She was an Indianapolis Public Schools social worker. She was also an activist and volunteer for a number of organizations including Neo-Fight Center, Students Run Indy, and the AGAPE Program. She was instrumental in founding the baby rocking program at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and she served on the IUSSW Alumni Board. This fund was established in 2001 to be awarded to a non-traditional student planning to practice in school social work.
Requirements (IU Indianapolis campus only):
- IU Indianapolis IUSSW student entering his/her senior year in the BSW program or his/her first year in the MSW program.
- Describe your return to school as a non-traditional student and your career goals OR your career plans to practice in the field of education (500 word essay).
Leslie G. Brody & Amy Seeherman Social Work Scholarship #
This scholarship was originally established by Dr. Brody in January, 2016. The intent of the Donor, and the Foundation is that this gift be used to support scholarships for graduate students pursing an MSW degree, who have financial need and have self-identified as having a seizure disorder and/or are interested in social justice issues.
Requirements
- MSW student with financial need.
- Student must have seizure disorder and/or interest in social justice issues.
- Two-page double spaced narrative describing how the student will use this scholarship in the field of social work.
Agnes & Vincent Butler, Sr. Graduate Social Work Scholarship #
Vincent Butler, Jr. graduated from IU School of Social Work in 1973 with an MSW degree. Vince was honored for his notable social work career in 2016 as the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. His ground-breaking work over the past 30 years in the area of domestic violence influenced how his community responded to and supported victims. This award was established to support graduate students in the School of Social Work who have financial need.
Requirements:
- MSW student.
- Describe your distinguished academic achievements (500 word essay). Include one paragraph stating the financial reasons that may affect your ability to complete course of study within the IU School of Social Work.
Sharon Kay Arvin Byrkett Social Work Scholarship #
Sharon Byrkett led the kind of life that most people would have found exhausting. Being born with Muscular Dystrophy certainly didn’t slow her down. Sharon, who received her degree in social work at IUPUI in 1984, was a role model and advocate for people with disabilities. She was recognized by a variety of groups and was awarded the local and state “Outstanding Achievement Award for MDA as well as the “James Pauley Life Time Achievement Award.” Sharon divided her talents among a number of groups. She served on the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, she was a delegate to the National Council for People with Disabilities and served on the board of the Indiana Association for People in Supported Employment as well as Easter Seals. Sharon’s husband, Gary, created a scholarship fund in Sharon’s memory in 2018 to assist students with disabilities, a group Sharon devoted her energies to help.
Requirements:
- BSW or MSW student.
- Student must have a demonstrated disability, physical disabilities are preferred. (Applicant may be asked to verify they have a disability by providing a physician letter or verification that they are registered with Office of Adaptive Educational Services.
- Describe your path to social work as a career, and how your disability has influenced/impacted you. Also include financial need for scholarship. (500 word essay)
Dr. Gayle J. And Carl K. Cox Opportunity Fund #
Supports graduate students in the School of Social Work who have financial need. Because, as part of its mission, Indiana University is committed to diversity, special consideration will be given to underrepresented populations, including but not limited to financially challenged students, and/or students with diverse cultural experiences.
Requirements:
- MSW student
- Preference given to first generation/underrepresented/financial need students
Jud Dolphin Social Justice #
Given annually to support scholarships for graduate students who have financial need and are interested in a career in Community and Organizational Leadership. Special consideration will be given to underrepresented populations, including but not limited to financially challenged students, and/or students with diverse cultural experiences.
Requirements:
- MSW student
- Student must have financial need.
Pearlann S. Gould Social Work Scholarship #
Pearlann Gould received her Master of Arts degree in Social Service in 1965. Her social work career in mental health spanned over 30 years at the VA Hospital in Marion, Indiana. Ms. Gould recognizes the financial challenges many student face, and wanted to help minimize student loan debt of social work students.
Requirements:
- BSW or MSW student
- Student must have financial need.
- Describe your aspirations to pursue a career in social work. Include one paragraph outlining your financial need for this scholarship. (500 word essay)
Mary H. Houk Memorial Fund #
A fund was established to commemorate Mary H. Houk and her unwavering commitment to teaching community organization. Mary Houk earned her master’s degree in social work at the University of Chicago. She subsequently worked for the Oklahoma Relief Administration and for the National Traveler’s Aid Society during WWII. She joined the faculty of the IU Division of Social Service in 1945 and was appointed Director in 1951. She subsequently became the first Dean of the Graduate School of Social Service in 1966. She helped the Division of Social Service grow from 12 students in 1945 to 112 students in 1966. In addition to her focus on developing field placements for students, she continued the school’s mission of recruiting promising students with high academic and professional expectancies and continued revision of curriculum to meet changing professional demands.
Requirements (IU Indianapolis campus only):
- MSW student on IU Indianapolis campus.
- Describe your commitment to a career in social service and how you will utilize funds from this award.(500 word essay)
- One paragraph (no more than 50 words) stating the financial reasons that may affect your ability to complete course of study within the IU School of Social Work.
Dr. John W. Landon Graduate Social Work Scholarship #
John Landon earned his Master of Art degree in Social Services from IUPUI and his PhD from Ball State University. Dr. Landon spent his social work career teaching at the University of Kentucky, retiring as the Associate Dean of the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. This fund was established in 2019 to support an annual scholarship for a graduate student who has financial need.
Requirements:
- MSW student.
- Describe your aspirations to pursue a career in social work. (500 word essay) Include one paragraph outlining your financial need for this scholarship.
Linde-Ruhr Scholarship #
Llewellyn H. (Lew) Linde graduated from the IU Division of Social Service in 1957. His late wife was Marcella Ruhr-Linde. Lew earned his law degree from the William Mitchell College of Law in Minnesota in 1960. His employment history included child psychiatric social work, child welfare and corrections among other areas. He retired in 1991 and volunteered legal services in Minnesota until his passing in 2020. This fund was established in 2005 for MSW students who demonstrate a passion for the profession and have pressing financial needs.
Requirements:
- MSW student.
- Describe your passion for the social work profession. Include one paragraph (no more than 50 words) stating the financial reasons that may affect your ability to complete course of study within IU School of Social Work. (500 word essay)
Dan And Hanna MacDonald Scholarship Fund #
The United Way of Central Indiana established the Dan and Hanna MacDonald Scholarship Fund. This scholarship honors Dan MacDonald, who was a United Way employee and is now retired. This fund supports graduate scholarships for students pursuing an MSW degree in the Leadership focus area. IUSSW partners with the United Way and its affiliated agencies to provide practicum opportunities that help expand students’ leadership knowledge and community development experience. Special consideration will be given to underrepresented populations, including but not limited to financially challenged students and/or students with diverse cultural experiences. Students that are awarded the MacDonald Fellowship are expected to complete their practicum in collaboration with United Way of Central Indiana.
Margaret A. McCormick Scholarship #
Margaret A. McCormick earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the IUSSW in 1981. She had a unique understanding of the need for the School to have the ability to provide opportunities for deserving non-traditional students and she was very interested in the partnership that the School has formed with Moi University in Kenya. This fund was established in 2005 for non-traditional MSW students in good standing to assist with the cost of their education.
Requirements:
- MSW absence of at least two years.
- Describe your academic work and aspirations toward a social work profession. Include how you are a non-traditional student and also include one paragraph (no more than 50 words) stating the financial need and financial reasons that may affect your ability to complete course of study within the IU School of Social Work. (500 word essay)
Genevieve Means McLeod Scholarship #
Genevieve Means McLeod received a B.A. in Sociology from IU in 1920 and also completed coursework for an M.A. in Social Work from IU. She worked for the Marion County Department of Public Welfare in Indianapolis and also worked in the Social Service Department of the Indianapolis Public Schools. She tirelessly practiced the values of the Social Work profession in both paid and voluntary positions throughout the city of Indianapolis. This fund was established in 2000 to be awarded to a female student achieving academic excellence (a GPA of 3.0) and having a demonstrated financial need.
Requirements:
- BSW or MSW student.
- Preference given to women.
- Student must have GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Describe your academic achievements. Include one paragraph (no more than 50 words) stating the financial reasons that may affect your ability to complete course of study within the IU School of Social Work (500 word essay)
Alice B. Moore Fellowship #
Alice B. Moore was born in 1901 in Ashland, Ohio. She studied social work at the University of Akron and moved to Bloomington, Indiana in 1922 when her husband was hired to teach 18th century literature at IU. During her years in Bloomington, she worked at the IU library, raised a family, helped to establish the Bloomington Christian Center, and was an active volunteer. She held a special interest in community affairs, particularly in low-income communities. This fund, established in 1996 in memory of Alice B. Moore, provides a graduate student financial award.
Requirements (IU Indianapolis campus only):
- MSW student on IU Indianapolis campus.
- Describe your interest in serving low-income communities. (500 word essay)
Mondonna Pang Endowment #
Mondonna Pang was born in 1901. She graduated from Indiana University in 1931 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. She was employed at the Marion, Indiana VA Hospital starting in 1946. This hospital provided care for veterans with psychiatric illnesses and many of them were diagnosed with schizophrenia. She died in 1989. This fund was established in 1990 for scholarships to be awarded to students interested in working in the mental health field, particularly with persons affected by schizophrenia and other related disorders.
Requirements (IU Indianapolis campus only):
- BSW or MSW student on IU Indianapolis campus.
- Describe your commitment to the area of mental health, particularly with persons affected by schizophrenia and other related disorders. (500 word essay)
Patchner Family Endowed Scholarship #
The Patchner Family Endowed Scholarship was originally established in May, 2010. The intent of the Donors and the Foundation is that this gift be used to support undergraduate scholarship or graduate fellowships for students in the School of Social Work, who intend to prepare for a career in the service of people with developmental disabilities.
Requirements:
- BSW or MSW student.
- Describe your interest/work in the field of developmental disabilities. (500 word essay)
Elise Pentz Social Work Scholarship #
Dr. Marty Pentz, a graduate of the IU School of Social Work PhD program, and Joy Pentz created the Elise Pentz Social Work Scholarship to honor their daughter Elise and her courageous battle with serious health challenges. Elise has demonstrated fortitude and bravery throughout her life, and serves as an inspiration to others battling serious health conditions.
Requirements:
- MSW student.
- Describe your interest/work in the field of oncology social work. (500 word essay)
William Evans Quan Memorial Scholarship #
Mr. Quan earned his Master’s Degree from the IU Division of Social Service in 1951. He led a life dedicated to helping veterans and children. He worked at the Ft. Lyons VA Hospital where he established a foster home program for veterans being discharged from the hospital. He was respected by the social work community for his competence, generosity and successful accomplishments in his work with clients. This fund was established in 2005 for MSW students in good standing that are interested in working in mental health and with vulnerable populations.
Requirements:
- MSW student.
- Describe your commitment to working in the field of mental health and with vulnerable populations. (500 word essay)
Joyce L. Ribble Social Work Scholarship In Research & Public Policy #
This scholarship was established in 2019 by Joyce Ribble to support a graduate scholarship for a student in the MSW program on the IU Indianapolis campus. Joyce graduated with her MSW in 1983 and passed away in 2020. Preference will be given to a student that is interested in pursuing a social work career in public policy.
Requirements (IU Indianapolis campus only):
- MSW student.
- Preference for student who has an interest in pursuing a social work career in public policy.
- Describe your interest in pursuing a social work career in public policy. (500 word essay)
Minnie And Mary Rigg Fellowship #
A fund established in honor of Minnie and Mary Rigg that awards a female student who has demonstrated a commitment to working with community-based agencies with philosophical ties to the settlement house movement.
Requirements:
- Female BSW or MSW student.
- Describe your commitment to working with community-based agencies with philosophical ties to the settlement house movement. (500 word essay)
Karen Schram Davies Memorial Graduate Scholarship #
A fund established to commemorate Karen Schram Davies and her unwavering commitment to children, youth and family services. Karen Schram Davies obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Olivet College in 1969 and went on to teach third grade in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It was her dedication to children that led her to complete a Master of Science in Education from Indiana University in 1978, and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Western Michigan University in 1982. With this knowledge, Karen provided counseling to runaway youth and their families at Safe Station in Mishawaka, Indiana for 22 years. Concurrently, Karen maintained a small private practice at Holy Cross Counseling Group, providing therapy to those affected by sexual abuse. In 2004, Karen joined the therapeutic team at The Lincoln Therapeutic Partnership, focusing on marriage and family services.
Requirements (IU South Bend campus only):
- MSW student.
- IU South Bend student.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Two-page double spaced narrative describing student’s commitment to a career in social service and how the student will utilize funds from this award.
Dr. Will Scott Scholarship In Child Welfare #
Will Scott was born in Texas in 1925. He earned his MSW at IU in 1964 and his Doctorate in Education from IU in 1965. He had a distinguished career in social work education and earned a reputation for being an advocate of student development and for graduate education. He was recognized by the Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Social Workers for lifetime achievement and by IUSSW as an outstanding alumnus. He was a founding member of the National Association of Black Social Workers. This fund was established in 2003 for students pursuing an MSW. Preference is given to students whose academic and professional interests are in the area of child welfare.
Requirements:
- MSW student.
- Preference is given to African American students.
- Describe your academic and professional interests in the area of child welfare. (500 word essay)
Sheldon And Natalie Siegel #
The late, Dr. Sheldon Siegel served as Dean of IUSSW from 1985 to 1994 and later as the interim Dean from 1999 to 2000. His wife is Dr. Natalie Siegel, LCSW, LMFT, a long-time private practitioner and psychotherapist. Natalie Siegel has taught at the University of Michigan, the University of Cincinnati and Indiana University. In 1994, Sheldon Siegel was awarded the distinguished Sagamore of the Wabash for his work as chair of the state commission on abused and neglected children and their families. In April 2008, Dr. Sheldon Siegel was presented with the Community Leadership Award for his work with senior citizens. This scholarship honors his dedication to the profession of social work. This fund was established in 1994 to provide scholarships for students working in or demonstrating a commitment to the field of community organization and development.
Requirements:
- BSW or MSW student.
- Describe your commitment to community organizing and development. (May demonstrate through field placement, volunteer experience, or employment.) 500 word essay
SSW Alumni Association Scholarship Fund #
A fund established in 1996 to provide scholarship for BSW and MSW students with high academic achievements as well as financial need. Applicant must submit a 1-2 page, double-spaced narrative, describing your academic achievements and how you have set an example of service at IUSSW or in the community. Also, include one paragraph stating the financial reasons that may affect your ability to complete your course of study with the IU School of Social Work.
Requirements:
- BSW or MSW student in final year of studies.
- High academic achievement – GPA must rank in top 10% of their class.
- Describe your academic achievements and how you have set an example of service. Include one paragraph (no more than 50 words) stating the financial reasons that may affect your ability to complete course of study within the IU School of Social Work. (500 word essay)
Lauren Whitten Fellowship #
Supports graduate students in the School of Social Work who have financial need. Because, as part of its mission, Indiana University is committed to diversity, special consideration will be given to underrepresented populations, including but not limited to financially challenged students, and/or students with diverse cultural experiences.
Requirements:
- MSW student
- Preference given to first generation/underrepresented/financial need students
Marion Wagner Feminist Organizing Scholarship #
Marion Wagner retired from the IUSSW faculty where she had overall responsibility for MSW education. She received her BA in Government from California State University at Los Angeles, her MSW from San Diego State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Her areas of interest include social policy, organizing, administration, and diversity, with a special focus on feminist organizing and social advocacy. She maintains ongoing community involvement related to social justice. This fund was established in 2002 for a student who demonstrates a commitment to pursuing educational and professional goals in the area of feminist organizing as it relates to the empowerment of women and girls.
Requirements (IU Indianapolis campus only):
- IU Indianapolis student entering or enrolled in the MSW program
- Describe your commitment to pursuing educational and professional goals in the area of feminist organizing as it related to the empowerment of women and girls. (500 word essay)
Kenneth E. Young Graduate Social Work Scholarship #
Ken Young received his Master’s degree from IU and established this fund through a planned gift to support graduate students with demonstrated financial need. He wrote this message in 2016: “Discover the depth and beauty of your existence via the Kenneth E. Young Graduate Social Work Scholarship. We are all connected. Help our fellow man (client). All are stewards of our environment! Your commitment to the Kenneth E. Young Graduate Social Work Scholarship is to follow the Master of Social Work Code of Ethics to the letter T. Have the courage to speak out when you are a witness to correct a wrong! May you also then experience an enriching and fulfilling life to make this a better world to live.”
Requirements:
- MSW student with demonstrated financial need.
- Describe your commitment to social work ethics and how they will guide your career. (500 word essay)