Grants and Scholarships

These awards are available starting in mid-September


Allan & Franka Charlupski Endowed Scholarship

This gift is awarded to a MSW student(s) interested in pursuing a career in Jewish communal service. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


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.

Return to top


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.

Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


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.

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. 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, other application documents and the School of Social Work Financial Aid Application. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


Bruce Alan Schaffer Memorial Award

Student stipend for a pediatric internship for placements in the Flint, MI area. The SSW will arrange for at least one joint meeting per term between the recipient of the Shaffer Memorial stipend and the donors. The internship will provide training with emphasis in life threatening disease and/or terminally ill conditions. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


Child Welfare Scholarship Program

The Child Welfare Scholarships are awarded to approximately ten incoming 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 child welfare social workers, therapists working with maltreated children, program managers, community organizers, and policymakers. Please click the following link for more information.

Return to top


Clara P. and Larry E. Davis Scholarship Fund

The Clara P. Davis and Larry E. Davis Scholarship Fund was established for doctoral students in the School of Social Work whose research focuses on poverty and social justice.

Return to top


Clarice Freud Individual Research Fund

Student stipends to assist students to integrate theory and practice, to improve existing procedures and develop new linkages between the SSW and organizations providing practice skill instruction for students, to provide means to enable prospective and current field instructors to extend and deepen their knowledge and skill in field instruction methodology. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


Clarice Ullman Freud Fellowship in Children & Families

Faculty committee will select students with special consideration to those committed to serving children & families. Students to focus one of the required research papers or projects for their MSW coursework on an issue of relevance to their professional practicum. In addition, the plan for the student paper or project will be developed in consultation with their field instructor, approved by the student's faculty liaison, and reviewed by the Director of the Office of Field Instruction. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


Clinical Scholars Program

The University of Michigan School of Social Work is pleased to announce the Clinical Scholars Program. Mental health conditions are among the top five chronic illnesses in the United States. This program aims to address disparities in behavioral health outcomes specifically for racial and ethnic minority youth, which include high incidents of involvement with the juvenile justice system, high rates of school dropout, high levels of suicidal behavior, and economic hardships.

The Clinical Scholars Program addresses a critical need for more mental and behavioral health clinicians. Clinical Scholars will be uniquely prepared for positions in mental health and behavioral health settings, hospitals, health departments, health agencies, schools, or nonprofit agencies. Please click the following link for more information:

Return to top


Community-Based Initiative Program

As one of our Community Scholars Programs, the purpose of the Community-Based Initiative in Detroit (CBI) is to train and support a new generation of social workers dedicated to community and social change in urban cities, neighborhoods, and communities. This is done through coursework and field placements based in Detroit and surrounding areas including Highland Park, Hamtramck, and Dearborn. Upon graduation, CBI scholars work as community organizers, policymakers, program planners, organization managers and administrators, evaluators, and foundation staff within Michigan, the US, and internationally. A maximum of 18 incoming students who are genuinely committed to community-based work in urban areas will be selected for the CBI program.

Please click the following link for more information.

Community-Based Initiative Program and Application Information

Return to top


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.

Return to top


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. 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, other application documents and the School of Social Work Financial Aid Application. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

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, 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

Return to top


Frank Family Endowed Scholarship

This gift is awarded to a MSW student(s) interested in pursuing a career in Jewish communal service. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


Geriatric Endowed Scholarship

The Geriatric Endowed 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 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, other application documents and the School of Social Work Financial Aid Application. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


Geriatric Scholarship Program

Geriatric social work is one of the fastest growing career fields. The number of older persons in the United States will more than double between the years 2000-2030. As the population ages, employment opportunities in gerontological social work are expanding greatly. Geriatric social work offers extensive possibilities to make a difference in older people's lives and enjoy limitless opportunities for career advancement.

Approximately ten scholarships will be awarded to incoming students who are interested in becoming gerontological social workers.

Please click the following link for more information.

Geriatric Scholarship Program and Application Information

Return to top


Global Activities Scholars Program

The Global Activities Scholars Program is a unique opportunity for students interested in working with individuals, communities, and organizations in a global context as part of their MSW program. Up to six incoming students will be selected each year to complete a global field placement during the spring/summer term. The purpose of the program is to provide students committed to global social work practice an opportunity to live in a foreign country while completing a part of their field placement requirement. This program is open to students in all practice method concentrations and practice areas except for students who select the Interpersonal Practice and Mental Health combination. Please note: Placements for Interpersonal Practice and Social Policy and Evaluation are limited.

Please click the following link for more information.

Global Activities Scholars Program and Application Information

Return to top


The Gus Harrison Scholarship in Social Work and Public Administration

This scholarship was established by Dr. John R. Koza in honor of Gus Harrison. It is awarded to a student in social work or public administration who exemplifies the dedication to public service and integrity that has been illustrated by Gus Harrison's service to the State of Michigan Department of Corrections and the Michigan State Lottery.

The Gus Harrison Scholarship Application

Return to top


Havens-Cabin Field Education Fund

This fund is for field stipends to support MSW students who have significant financial need, and whose field placement are in southeast Michigan. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


Henry Meyer Award

The Henry J. Meyer scholarship award was established in 1987 to honor the original and long-time director of the doctoral program, Henry J. Meyer, under whose leadership the program was the first doctoral program in social work to integrate fully the intensive study of social work and a social science discipline. The major purposes of this award are (a) to help support and honor students in the Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science whose written work exemplifies the goals of the Program in relation to the integration of social work and social science, and (b) to encourage students to prepare such work for possible publication or conference presentation.

Normally this award will be made annually. Papers submitted by students will be judged by the Supervising Committee on the extent to which they make an original contribution to the empirical or theoretical literature in a manner that integrates social work and social science. Announcements of the policies and procedures for the competition for the awards will be made annually at the end of the winter term, with applications and papers due by the beginning of the following fall term.

Return to top


Howard and Judith Sims Endowed Fellowship in Child & Youth

This fellowship was established by Howard and Judith Sims along with matching funds provided by the Ann and Robert Lurie Family Foundation to reward deserving students interested in child welfare and specializing in children and families.

Return to top


Integrated Health Learning Community Scholarship Program

For Health, Mental Health, and Behavioral Health

The University of Michigan School of Social Work is pleased to announce the Integrated Health Learning Community (IHLC) Scholarship Program. The IHLC serves to promote the integration of health, mental health, and behavioral health services so that individuals, families, and communities receive a continuum of preventive, curative, and palliative care services. This program will prepare students to work within and promote collaborative care models that attend to physical, emotional, and behavioral health issues across a wide range of care settings.

Upon completion, IHLC participants will be prepared for employment in medical, psychiatric, mental health, and/or behavioral health settings, as well as in newly-emerging integrative health settings that serve diverse populations confronting physical, emotional, and/or behavioral health problems. Please click the following link for more information:

Return to top


Jewish Communal Leadership Program

The Jewish Communal Leadership Program (JCLP) offered in partnership with the Jean and Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies, presents a distinctive educational opportunity for MSW students committed to helping Jewish communities meet 21st-century challenges while also 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.

Please click the following link for more information.

Jewish Communal Leadership Program and Application Information

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 Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD).

The BPD Board of Directors invites all BPD members to encourage outstanding BSW students to submit a proposal for the 2012 Jim Wahlberg BSW Student Scholar Award. The recipient will present his/her paper at a special invitation session at the 2014 BPD Conference in Louisville, KY. Conference registration, transportation and a one night hotel stay will be paid by BPD for the selected presenter as well as a $250.00 honorarium and a plaque.

**Recipients will be eligible for a full tuition Dean's Scholarship in the University of Michigan School of Social Work MSW program.

Students can receive the Wahlberg Scholar Award without entering the University of Michigan School of Social Work, however, the full tuition scholarship requires successful completion of the University of Michigan MSW program application and an offer of admission. The recipient will also need to maintain good academic standing while enrolled in the MSW program at the University of Michigan School of Social Work to maintain the full tuition scholarship.

CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY:

  • A current BSW student who will graduate from a CSWE accredited BSW Program on or before August 2013, and
  • Who meets the criteria for admission to the University of Michigan's School of Social Work * (http://www.ssw.umich.edu/admissions-MSW/criteria.html), and
  • Who attends a program that possesses current membership in BPD.

* Students wishing to enter the MSW Advanced Standing program (45 credit hour program) at the U-M SSW MSW program must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA over the last 60-75 semester hours on their BSW transcript. Students with GPA's below 3.5 can apply for admission into the University of Michigan's 60 semester hour MSW program.

PLEASE SUBMIT ONE COPY OF:

  • A brief abstract overview (not more than 50 words) to be included in the Final Program.
    • A scholarly paper (written in APA style, 12-point Times New Roman Font, and double spaced, with standard 1" margins and between 3 and 5 pages in length). Topical Area: Social Justice, Equality and Empowerment
    • Describe how your undergraduate program experience in social work and the NASW Code of Ethics have shaped and influenced your commitment to the promotion of social justice, equality and empowerment.
    • Describe how you think a graduate education will further enhance your ability to carry out that vision.
  • The proposal cover sheet.
  • Your official University transcript.

Because an anonymous review process will determine the recipient, the paper should not contain any identifying information about you or your institution.

Proposals written by multiple authors will not be reviewed. Only one student can be selected as the Jim Wahlberg BSW Student Scholar.

Please submit your proposal via email attachment to the "Jim Wahlberg Scholarship Review Committee" at conferences@bpdonline.org by December 1, 2012. Mail transcripts only to: BPD Association Manager, 1701 Duke Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314. You will receive a confirmation of receipt within one week. Please indicate in the subject line "Proposal for Jim Wahlberg BSW Student Scholar"

Return to top


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

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.

Kenneth G. Lutterman Memorial Scholarship Application

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, other application documents and the School of Social Work Financial Aid Application. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


Mervin and Helen S. Pregulman Scholarship

The Mervin and Helen S. Pregulman Scholarship is awarded to a student involved in Jewish communal service. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


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.

Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


National Community Scholars Program

As one of our Community Scholars Programs, the purpose of the National Community Scholars Program (NCS) 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.

Please click the following link for more information.

National Community Scholars Program and Application Information

Return to top


Olivia P. Maynard Children and Family Fellowship

This fellowship was established by Olivia P. Maynard along with matching funds provided by the Ann and Robert Lurie Family Foundation to reward deserving students who are committed to work with low income children and families.

Return to top


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.

Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


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

Return to top


Ronald Oliver and Margaret Ann Warner Graduate Scholarship Fund

Scholarship for one or more MSW students with preference given to those who: are a resident of Genesee County, are currently working in the field of social work, and are committed to working in Genesse County in the field of social work after graduation. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


Rosemary Sarri Endowed Scholarship

Provides two scholarships, one for students in the MSW program and one for the students in the Doctoral program who have interest in social policy or community organization. Financial need shall be the primary selection criteria.

Rosemary Sarri Endowed Scholarship Application

Return to top


Ruth & Fred Schelkun Award

To provide a field placement stipend for one or more MSW students. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


Sims Medal and Award

The Sims Medal and Award is intended to recognize a graduate student who has developed the best paper or project contributing to the understanding of the urban community. This paper/project will examine the interactive effects of three separate environments including home/neighborhood, workplace, and school on the functioning of family members. It assumes that experience in one environment will affect behavior in the others. The purpose of the Sims Medal and Award is to focus attention on this socially significant area, to encourage knowledge, and/or instill development to improve attendant circumstances. This award is provided to an enrolled student.

Return to top


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

Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


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.

Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


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. 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, other application documents and the School of Social Work Financial Aid Application. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Endowed Scholarship Fund for Doctoral Student Research

The Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Award is made annually and notices students whose research focuses on minority populations with low income and education, with a preference for research on issues faced by African American males.

Return to top


Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Endowed Scholarship for Geriatric Social Work

Vivian A. Curtis, an MSW alumna, and her husband James L. Curtis, a Michigan Medical School alumnus, established this award with the intent to support an outstanding MSW student interested in geriatric social work. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


The Vivian A. & James L. Curtis Endowed Scholarship Fund for Hospital Based Social Work

Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Endowed Scholarship for Hospital-Based Social Work is awarded to an outstanding MSW student who is a first generation college student interested in hospital-based social work.

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. 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, other application documents and the School of Social Work Financial Aid Application. Please note that no separate financial aid application is required.

Return to top


W.K. Kellogg Endowed Family Fellowship

The Kellogg Foundation Fellowship is to help support students in the Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science with a research interest in advancing the understanding of issues relevant to improving the well-being of children, youth, and their families. The scope of relevant areas of study is broad; ranging over issues pertaining to infant and child development, foster care, family preservation services, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse, as well as other issues affecting economically disadvantaged children and their families.

Return to top