FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR CURRENT ADVANCED STANDING – FULL-TIME MSW STUDENTS

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) BSW to MSW Grant Program

GVSU School of Social Work has received a grant from the State of Michigan (MDHHS), to provide $30,000.00 grants per individual to some our students who have obtained a bachelor's degree and who are currently enrolled in our MSW Full-Time, Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program. Those who receive this stipend are required to commit to a minimum of 2 years of public sector behavioral health work in the state, immediately following completion their degree in areas including: community mental health, substance use disorder programs, crisis intervention, local crisis call centers, mobile crisis care, crisis stabilization, psychiatric emergency services, and rapid postcrisis care.  The goal of the program is to increase the state’s behavioral health workforce. We will be posting the application and description of the selection process on the School of Social Work website (gvsu.edu/ssw).   Applications are due by midnight on August 18, 2024.  Selection decisions will be made soon after. 

Link to application

Applications due April 1st, 2023

gvsu.edu/myscholarships

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BSW

Established by Jeffrey, Kimberly, and Alexis Cohen in loving memory of their daughter and sister, Amanda Kate Cohen. Amanda passed away shortly after her 21st birthday, losing her eight-year battle with pulmonary hypertension. Amanda did not allow pulmonary hypertension to define who she was, even though it made her life more difficult. Her struggles drove her to lessen those of other people. This scholarship will continue her legacy and assist social work majors with the cost of completing their education at GVSU.

The purpose of this scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families to make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will assist seniors pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth.

To qualify students must:

• be accepted for or currently enrolled at Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
• be an undergraduate senior enrolled for 12 credit hours or more in the School of Social Work
• be meeting satisfactory academic progress (https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/satisfactory-academic-progress-sap-17.htm)

Preference will be given to students who demonstrate an interest in working with children and/or have past volunteer/community service experience with children.

Financial need is required and will be demonstrated by the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

This scholarship may not be renewed.

Scholarship Recipients:
2022/2023 - Natalee Williams 
2023/2024 - Dontrea Wyrick
2024/2025 - Gabrielle Simmons

Support Ryan Short Scholarship

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MSW

The Ryan Short Memorial Scholarship has been established in memory of Ryan Short. Ryan was a freshman at Grand Valley State University when he was killed by a drunk driver on July 29, 1995. It is ironic that Ryan was killed by a drunk driver when he had become a fierce advocate against drinking and drugs.

In order to continue Ryan’s work, his family wants to help others pursue a career in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education. By seeing his work continue through the students awarded this scholarship, Ryan’s family can find comfort and peace.

The scholarship provides assistance to MSW students who are pursuing a career in Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation and Education through the MSW program.  Applicant must demonstrate a strong academic background (at least a 3.2 GPA) and community involvement related to this field, also be enrolled at least six hours per semester.

Scholarship Recipients:
2024/2025 - Tim Dolphin 
2023/2024 - Kimberly Darcy, Paul Smith
2021/2022 Bonnie Naylor-Tatterson
2020/2021 Gabriel Hernandez, Abigail McKenzie, Karleena Tillotson
2019/20 Mara E. Furlich, Glen A. Brookhouse, Paige E. Cunningham, Karleena A. Langenfeld
2018/19 - Autumn L. Putnam, Kayla M. Holz
2017/18 - Yesica Ramirez-Perez, Maija J. Dunham
2016/17 - Natalie J. Sernick, Deangelo K. Johnson
2015/16 - Abigail M. Wroble, Sara K. Sawinski
2014/15 - Jamie L. Dahlquist, Faye I. Shanley, Peter S. VanTil

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BSWMSW

This scholarship is awarded to students who are in the School of Social Work, who have excelled in their coursework and have financial need.

All BSW applicants must have degree-seeking status and be a second semester junior or have senior status.  All MSW applicants must have degree-seeking status and have completed four core courses or have Advanced Standing.  All applicants must provide financial aid information as the award is based on need as well as a 3.3 cumulative GPA.

Scholarship Recipients:
2024/2025 -  Daniela Centeno, Shirley Kellie
2023/2024 - Iliana Argueta, Eva Rivera 
2022/2023 - Aidyn Yager, Matthew Laidlaw, Clare Simard 
2021/2022 - Alyssa Vodak, Rachael Anderson
2020/2021 - Gillian Garton-Borowitz, Lariesha Lee, Gerardo Vasquez
2019/20 - Kalli N. Feldpausch, Laura M. Muniz, Heather R. Reid, Caitlin R. Quantock
2018/19 - Noelle M. Lynn, Leah J. Hoffer
2017/18 - Ashley J. Dwarshuis, Danielle T. O'Brien, Mackenzie L. Boston, Katie A. Perry
2016/17 - Emma J. Budros, Jaqueshia L. Allen, Carolina Brito
2015/16 - Kaylee N. Lohman, Heather L. Blenkle
2014/15 - Aubrey M. Valleau, Jessica L. Rienstra

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BSWMSW

Established in 2003 by Richard Tadgerson in honor of Dr. Rodney J. Mulder. This scholarship benefits Social Work students at the upper class or graduate levels. Dr. Mulder was a long standing professor and Dean of the School of Social Work at Grand Valley State University. Richard Tadgerson was once counseled by Dr. Mulder and subsequently became a successful business person in the tool and die and metal stamping industries. Students who demonstrate a commitment to community service will be chosen to receive this scholarship.

This scholarship recognizes social work students who demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism and community service. Recipients of this scholarship shall have been accepted for or currently enrolled at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). They must be a [undergraduate junior or graduate student] enrolled for 6 credit hours or more in the [School of Social Work and shall be making satisfactory academic progress according to the norms established by the University.

Scholarship Recipients:
2024/2025 - Hannah Chiu, Mackenzie Green, Daniela Centeno, Emily Nisper 
2023/2024 - Stephanie Laidlaw, Sydney Wisniewski, Elizabeth Nelson
2022/2023 - Haley Nguyen, Martina Anderson, Megan Pearce, Rickey Ainsworth, Serena Miliusis, Taylor Besch, Ashley Oerman
2021/2022 - Abigail Harrell, Joshua Morrocco, Rylee Cregg, Sydney Grieser
2020/2021 - Anca Enache, Kylea Lund, Maggie Obermeyer, Brittney Statema, Daniel Unekis, Alyssa Vodak
2019/20 - Kelly A. Leikert, Elizabeth M. Swan, Sophie M. Postema
2018/19 - Tracey Y. Whiting, Lorissa K. Matthysse, Summer L. Mendez, Allison L. Van Kampen, Glen A. Brookhouse, Brendan  R. O'Donnel, Amanda L. Luurtsema
2017/18 - Chelsea M. Taylor, Mary E. De Young, Cassidy A. Grooms
2016/17 - Kaitlin C. Malone, Karen G. O'Strander, Emma K. Krive, Bree J. Austin-Roberts, Arijeta Ahmeti
2015/16 - Kaitlyn M. Grangood, Cassandra L. Kiger, Kelsey J. Ball, Jessica N. Janecke, Kolby A. Cole
2014/15 - Brandon M. Goeman, Elizabeth A. Robison, Jacquelyn C. Deur, Everetta A. Cole, DaMesha M. Jackson

Rodney and Lucarol Mulder Social Work Scholarship

Award varies; renewable by reapplication  for maximum of 6 semesters provided the recipient continues to meet the qualifications stated below.

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MSW

BSW

Dr. Rod Mulder served as a faculty member in the French, Sociology, and Social Work Departments at Grand Valley State University during a tenure that lasted 44 years.  In 2008, he retired from his post after 15 years serving first as a dean of the School of Social Work, and then as the first Dean of the former College of Community and Public Service (now CECI). After Rod's sudden passing, and further reflection by his immediate family, we decided to create a new scholarship in memory of Rodney and his wife Lucarol that would assist students with greater difficulties accessing higher education.

Rod and Lu were lifelong advocates for inclusion, diversity and social justice; Rod valued a professional school that better reflected the diversity of populations that social workers serve in West Michigan and nationally. This scholarship recognizes diversity across dimensions, for example, race and ethnicity, age, family structure, socio-economic status. The new scholarship assists students that have faced challenges with completing their education due to family commitments, lack of access, financial need, or systemic barriers.

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in social work who are nontraditional students with unique pathways to education including child/family responsibilities, re-entry to college after some significant time away, or exceptional life circumstances due to employment.

To qualify students must:
*be accepted for or currently enrolled at Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
*be an undergraduate junior or senior enrolled for 12 credit hours or more, or, graduate student enrolled in 6 credit hours or more
*have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
*be meeting satisfactory academic progress (https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/satisfactory-academic-progress-sap-17.htm)

Preference will be given to nontraditional students particularly those with paid experience in social services.

Financial need may be considered, and shall be demonstrated by the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

This scholarship may be renewed with reapplication for a maximum of 6 semesters provided the recipient continues to meet the qualifications stated above.

Recipients:
2024/2025 - Jessica, Turk, Jordan Blacktop, Courtney Sherwood, Annaelise Hagstrom, Meghan Aupperlee
2023/2024 - Angel Burns, Sarah Tyria, LIna Miller, Molly Hill
2022/2023 - Angie Leedy, Jonathan Bates, Ketashia Berrien, Kimberly Darcy, Patrick Grant, Paul Smith
2021/2022 - Bobbie Janisz, Julie Slabbekoorn, Morgan goossen
2020/2021 - Stacie Fifelski, Hannah Noorman, Gregory Retzlaff

The McFadden International Child Welfare Scholarship

Award varies; renewable maximum of three semesters for full time students, five semesters for part time students

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MSW

Emily Jean McFadden, a professor in the Grand Valley State University School of Social Work for thirteen years, established this scholarship with the intent of benefiting students who are pursuing a Master in Social Work degree and plan to work with children.

Professor McFadden taught for more than 28 years and dedicated her life’s work to child welfare, and in that capacity held many professional roles including caseworker, therapist, grant director, program manager, and researcher. She authored several books, many training manuals, and numerous chapters and articles. Some of her work has been translated into languages such as Norwegian, Hungarian, French, and Zulu.

The donor, Emily Jean McFadden, hopes that this scholarship will prepare competent and committed social workers who upon graduation will work toward international understanding of the well being of children in the world. Jean continues her strong commitment to children, social justice, and peace by establishing this scholarship to empower students to reach their full potential.

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist with preparing competent and committed social workers who will work toward international understanding of the well being of children in the world.

• Recipients must be accepted for or be currently enrolled at GVSU
• Must be enrolled with full or part-time status as a Master of Social Work, degree-seeking student
• Must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
• Recipients must demonstrate interest in international social work, and an aptitude for working with children by taking course work that aligns with this interest. This demonstration might also include study or service learning with children in the United States or abroad.
• Special consideration will be given to candidates who express specific interest in working in the area of international social work as it pertains to children in a developing country
• Special consideration will also be given to candidates whom may have attended grade school and high school in a country outside of the United States and have a desire to work with children internationally

Financial need will be considered as demonstrated by the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Renewal Criteria: This scholarship may be renewed without reapplication for a maximum of three semesters if a full-time student, or for a maximum of five semesters if enrolled part-time, provided the student continues to meet the qualifications stated above.

Recipients:
2024/2025 - Emily Nisper
2023/2024 - Shynequa Williams
2022/2023 - Jennifer Brugger
2021/2022 - Jennifer Brugger
2020/2021 - Tierney Cargo

Related Programs:
BSWMSW

The Social Work Minority Scholarship is awarded to minority students who have given back to their communities by advocating for social justice for minority population.

All BSW applicants must have degree-seeking status and be a second semester junior or have senior status.  All MSW applicants must have degree-seeking status and have completed four core courses or have Advanced Standing.  Recipients must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and be Black/Non-Hispanic, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander or Native American.

Scholarship Recipients:
2024/2025 - No Funding
2023/2024 - Kendra Avila, Daniela Centeno
2022/2023 - Vanessa Crambell, Maggie Rosales
2021/2022 - Jenna Abdul-Jawad
2020/2021 - Marigold Cobbina
2019/20 - Melinda L. Aviles, Florencia Herradon
2018/19 - Rachel M. Ibarra Jacqueline Ortiz
2017/18 - Carolina Brito, Shaylynnkinne Y. Ivory, Kristy M. Dayson
2016/17 - Noelia Garcis, Fluarry D. Jackson
2015/16 - Nazeer T. Zerka, Tiara M. Parks, Jaqueshia L. Allen, Trenessa L. Allen   
2014/15 - Geoffrey Beene, Latasha N. Robertson-Crump

Related Programs:
BSWMSW

During the last 13 years of Dr. Singh's career, he taught in the School of Social Work at Grand Valley State University. From the moment of his arrival at Grand Valley and the Grand Rapids community, his presence and his person were living examples of his humanity. Dr. Singh’s quest for knowledge, personal growth, and learning were thirsts he did not seek to quench. He was forever a teacher and a student, and he unselfishly shared his zest, vision and enthusiasm with others. The impressions made by Dr. Singh upon those who knew him were many, and without exception, included compassion, kindness, respect, and “unconditional positive regard.” In a positive affirming manner, Ram Singh possessed the ability to make one believe daunting tasks were undaunting and the impossible was indeed possible. He was devoted to his work and was respected by peers and students. He was very well read and was an expert in philosophy, Indian religions, and social work. He gave as many as 10 papers a year around the country and the world, mostly on topics of social work or Indian religions. He usually returned to his native India at least once a year to see family and friends. He had also hired a part-time social worker to work in a village of “untouchables”. He brought electricity to that village, a school and other kinds of community organizations. This scholarship was created in Dr. Ram Singh’s memory and in honor of his loving wife.

This scholarship was established for international students who are pursuing a degree in Social Work.

Students must be degree-seeking and entering their Junior undergraduate year or pursuing a Masters of Social Work and must have a 3.0 GPA (provide an unofficial transcript).  Candidates and recipients must have familial residence and citizenship outside of the United States and enrolled at GVSU under a J-1 or F-1 visa.

Scholarship Recipients:
2024/2025 - No Applicants 
2023/2024 - Anna Obi, Sarah Hassan
2022/2023 - Sarah Hassan, Nathalia Paz Vieira Dos Santos, Anna Obi
2021/2022 - Anca Enache
2020/2021 - Marigold Cobbina
2019/20 - Marigold Cobbina
2017/18 - Peter D. Dunlop
2015/16 - Anteneh T. Aberra
2014/15 - Anteneh T. Aberra, Lauren Doxtater

Related Programs:
BSWMSW

This graduate Social Work scholarship was established by Douglas K. Chung to promote social work services in the Asian countries and communities. Douglas K. Chung, MSW, MA, Ph.D., a former faculty member, was a commissioner on the United States Council of Social Work (CSWE). Trained as a researcher in mental health, community organization, and family therapy, he had extensive practice and teaching experience and publications in cross-cultural social work education and practice. He was engaged in building culturally sensitive models for personal and social transformation through the integration of Qigong Technologies and human services.

This scholarship was established to promote social work services in the Asian countries and communities and support Asian students who are pursuing degrees in Social Work.

Candidates must be Asians or Asian Americans who demonstrate by an essay their eagerness to bring culturally sensitive social work to their home countries around the Pacific Rim or to their Asian communities in the western world and must be admitted to the School of Social Work to study at the graduate level in a degree seeking course. Candidates must have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.3 or better and be making satisfactory academic progress (3.0 or better in graduate school) according to the norms established by Grand Valley State University School of Social Work and enrolled as a full-time student.  Demonstration of financial need not required.

Scholarship Recipients:
2024/2025 - No Applicants
2023/2024 - No Applicants 
2022/2023 - Anika VanDyk, Chenuma Srikhot
2021/2022 - NA
2020/2021 - Xiao Wang Lin, Kara Thomazin
2019/20 - Allison L. VanKampen, Xiao Wang Lin
2018/19 - Allison L. Van Kampen
2017/18 - Khue B. Dinh
2014/15 - Annie Jang

The School of Social Work is allotted a very limited amount of financial assistance to be directly distributed to students by the School. Such resources are allocated based primarily on the financial needs of the applicant.

Although the resource is extremely limited, we wish to provide the opportunity to apply to all students who believe they are in need of such assistance. A decision on your application will be made prior to the beginning of the academic year.

Applications become available to all degree-seeking students in the Spring of each year.  Applications are sent to degree-seeking students by email, or by clicking on the links below:

Application