MSW Program Grants and Scholarships

Application Deadlines:

• Early Application: December 1
• Priority Application: February 1
• Final: March 1

Under the leadership of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the DEI Training Program recognizes the critical importance of emerging social workers to be able to engage in organization and structural advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion to move towards a more socially just world. By equipping MSW students with the tools and knowledge to navigate complex social dynamics, challenge systemic inequalities, and promote inclusive practices, we aim to foster a new generation of social workers who can effectively advocate for historically marginalized communities and contribute to the development of equitable policies and programs.

The DEI Training Program aims to provide MSW students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a variety of settings using micro, mezzo, and macro practice skills. The program aims to prepare them for a wide range of roles in social work, where they can actively contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable communities.

This program integrates intraprofessional and interprofessional educational opportunities to maximize learning with, from, and about other health professionals to develop skills in collaborative change efforts.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Program and Application Information

Application Deadlines:

• Early Application: December 1
• Priority Application: February 1
• Final: March 1

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. Geriatric social workers are particularly needed in marginalized communities and with vulnerable populations.

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

Geriatric Scholarship Program and Application Information

Application Deadlines:

• Early Application: December 1
• Priority Application: February 1
• Final: March 1

The Global Activities Scholars Program (GASP) is a unique opportunity for students interested in working with individuals, communities, and organizations in a global context as part of their On-Campus MSW program. Up to twelve incoming students will be selected each year to complete a global field placement during the spring/summer term (May - August). 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.

Applicants must select the Global Social Work pathway as their primary pathway or the Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse pathway as their primary pathway with the Global Social Work pathway as their secondary pathway.

Global Activities Scholars Program and Application Information

Application Deadlines:

• Early Application: December 1
• Priority Application: February 1
• Final: March 1

The Jewish Communal Leadership Program, offered by the University of Michigan School of Social Work 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 On-Campus MSW students will be selected to participate in the program each year. JCLP graduates currently serve in Jewish and nonsectarian organizations across the United States and abroad. Alumni are employed as chief executives, program developers, fundraising professionals, therapists, community outreach directors, and educators.

Jewish Communal Leadership Program and Application Information

The Jim Troy Scholarship is a need-based award to support MSW and PhD students who are inspired by the ideals and examples Jim Toy demonstrated during his lifetime as a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ communities.

• Jim Toy Scholarship Application

Read More About Jim Toy

• Remembering LGBTQ+ pioneer, Spectrum Center co-founder Jim Toy The University Record
• Episode 49: Remembering Jim Toy, featuring Scott Dennis Michigan Today
• 'Gentlest But Most Unshakeable Campaigner' Jim Toy, Michigan LGBTQ+ Trailblazer and Icon, Dies at 91 Pride Source
• Guest Column: Climbing the Mountain of Justice University of Michigan Alumni Association
• Spectrum Center to mark 50th anniversary, Jim Toy's legacy The University Record

This scholarship was created to honor Katsuyoshi Nishimoto (MSW 1972) to provide support for MSW students. The Donors request that in awarding the scholarship, the School give preference to students who meet any of the following criteria:

1. First generation in their families to attend college or graduate school
2. Socioeconomically disadvantaged
3. Primary caregiver
4. have overcome substantial educational or economic obstacles
5. have attended an HBCU
6. have attended a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI)
7. have attended a Native American-Serving Non-tribal Institution (NASNTI)
8. are registered with the University of Michigan Services for Students with Disabilities
9. are experienced in anti-racism efforts or activism
10. have experience in volunteering or working with historically underrepresented populations

• Katsuyoshi Nishimoto Scholarship Application

The Kenneth G. Lutterman Memorial Scholarship was established by a gift from Jean Lutterman in memory of her husband, Kenneth Lutterman, who was the Associate Dean of Research at the UM School of Social Work in 2001. The scholarship is awarded to a second-year MSW student interested in research in the treatment of mental health.

• Kenneth G. Lutterman Memorial Scholarship Application

The MEM Centennial Endowed Scholarship Fund was created to provide support to MSW students who have demonstrated interest in providing direct services to children, youth and families with a focus on preservation of family stability, foster care and adoption of older children, sibling groups or otherwise hard-to-place children. Preference will be given to students who have a field placement at Spaulding for Children and/or those who have lived experience in the child welfare system.

• MEM Centennial Endowed Scholarship Application