MSW Scholarships
Through the generosity of donors to the School of Social Work who believe in the potential each student has to make a difference in our communities, we are pleased to offer the following scholarships in support of students pursuing the Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree
MSW Scholarships
Below you will find brief descriptions of each scholarship. Scholarship amounts are also listed, but please note that these are estimates and are subject to change.
Students may apply by using the online application. Only one application is needed for consideration for all scholarships. Applications will be screened to determine eligibility for each award. The 2024-2025 application details will be available by August 1, 2024. Please ensure that your application includes all necessary components, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
Upon initial screening completion, if an applicant is deemed eligible for a scholarship that requires additional materials (e.g., a letter of support, writing sample, etc.), the applicant will be contacted with information regarding additional materials needed for award consideration. Letters of support can be uploaded via this online form.
| Scholarship | Description | Award Criteria | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazing Grace Restorative Justice Scholarship | This scholarship supports international graduate students from the global south pursuing a Master of Social Work degree. It addresses the historical and ongoing impacts of racial exploitation and discrimination, providing financial support to those affected. The scholarship focuses on descendants of slaves, indigenous people, and multiracial individuals who face significant inequities in education, healthcare, and employment. In the wake of COVID-19 and heightened racial injustice awareness, this scholarship promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. It aims to support students committed to combating oppressive systems. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student who demonstrates an alignment of their personal and academic goals with the scholarship's mission of promoting social justice and equity. Preference given to international students from the global south | TBD |
| Samuel & Ruth Blinick Memorial Scholarship in Geriatrics | Sam and Ruth Blinick’s values were shaped by their experiences in the Depression. They met in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1936, were married in 1938, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1988, just before Sam’s death in April 1989. Sam was employed as a clerk for the City of Cleveland for 30 years, and Ruth was a legal secretary. They had three children and earned minimal salaries but stressed the importance of higher education. Ruth remained a part-time student at Arizona State University through her mid 70s. Even though they had little money, they contributed what they could to charitable organizations and demonstrated a commitment to many of the core values of social work, including promoting a sense of dignity and worth of each individual and social justice. Their son, Art Blinick (MSW, ’74), and his wife, Kay Ann LaRoux, established this scholarship in memory of his parents. Art currently oversees quality improvement at a behavioral health center for Medicaid recipients in Arizona. This award is given to a student who plans to work with the elderly after graduation. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student who plans to work with the older adult population after graduation. | $600 |
| Dr. Jan Carter-Black Scholarship for Commitment to Diversity and Leadership | After a 21-year career at a private residential child welfare agency that included direct practice and administrative positions, Dr. Jan Carter-Black (PhD, ’05, MSW, ’95, BALAS, ’77) joined the School of Social Work faculty in 2005. Dr. Carter-Black teaches the Diversity: Identity & Issues course, which is required of all undergraduate students in social work, and an option for all other undergraduate students on campus to fulfill a general education course requirement. Put simply, Jan directly and profoundly impacts hundreds of students each semester. This scholarship was created in her honor by former students who credit Dr. Carter-Black for their successes. This scholarship is awarded to a deserving social work student who demonstrates high academic achievement, a commitment to the School and the campus community through involvement and leadership, and a commitment to diversity through research or practice. | Awarded to a deserving SW student who demonstrates high academic achievement, a commitment to the School and the campus community through invovlement and leadership, and a commitment to diversity through research or practice. Letter of support required. | $650 |
| Ruppert Downing Field Education Scholarship | Associate Professor Ruppert Downing (MSW, ’66) worked for the School of Social Work for 33 years (1969-2003). In addition to earning tenure in 1975, Professor Downing was the Director of Field Education. He specialized in mental health, working with individuals, families, groups, and communities. As field director, he helped develop out-of-state placements in areas where social workers were not traditionally found. Before earning his MSW at U of I, Ruppert served in the US Army as a specialist in mental health consultation at the US Army Hospital in Fort Leonardwood, MO. He published numerous articles on adult development and aging and spoke at several conferences on program development for rural social workers. Professor Downing also spent much of his time recruiting students to the MSW program from historically black colleges and universities. This award is intended to support students in their field placements to assist with miscellaneous expenses they incur as a part of these unpaid field assignments. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student performing unpaid field service as part of their degree program. | $700 |
| Miranda J. Dresing Scholarship | Miranda Dresing (MSW, ’13, BSLAS, ’08) has worked in the field of social work and mental health in a variety of capacities, including crisis intervention, case management, psycho-social rehabilitation, administrative roles, as well as providing individual, group, and family therapy services. Her time as a graduate assistant at the U of I Counseling Center drew her to therapeutic work at a collegiate level, and she currently serves as a counselor for St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA. This scholarship, honoring her time as a student at Illinois, supports MSW students concentrating on mental health entering an unpaid internship. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student who will be entering an unpaid internship in the field of mental health. Preference shall be given to students with demonstrated financial need and who have received their undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. | $2,000 |
| Jim & Joanna Dudley Scholarship | Dr. James “Jim” Dudley (MSW, ’66, BS, ’64) came to the University of Illinois for his undergraduate degree and like many first year students he had very little idea of what kind of career he wanted to prepare for. He was drawn to something that would “help people” and decided on a degree in teaching mathematics. He was soon introduced to the profession of social work and the endless possiblities for not only helping people, but also helping them overcome oppression from poverty, racial discrimination, or an inadequate education. Dr. Dudley enrolled in the MSW where he worked on a projecct to support women with no access to prenatal care. He completed his PhD in social work in 1979 and has served on the faculties at Temple University and the Unviersity of North Carolina Charlotte, where he still holds the appointment of professosr emeritus. Dr. Dudley created this scholarship to support students interested in addressing and overcoming problems at the macro level, such as poverty, discrimination, poor health, and/or hopelessness. | Awarded to a deserving BSW or MSW student, with preference given to those interested in social work at the macro practice level to address and overcome such problems as poverty, discrimination, poor health, and hopelessness in the lives of others. | $2,000 |
| School of Social Work Educational Opportunity Award | A former faculty member and alumnus of the School of Social Work who wishes to remain anonymous established this award. This generous alumnus had a career that spanned over 25 years in teaching, research, writing, and social administration. Their research was often focused on public child welfare. They created this fund to support historically underrepresented students at the School of Social Work. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student with preference given to a member of an Indigenous tribe or a student of Black or Indigenous decent, and other People of Color (BIPOC). All races and ethnicities will be considered and are encouraged to apply. | $5,350 |
| John K. Gibson and Nancy L. White-Gibson Scholarship | Nancy White-Gibson (MSW, ’92) joined the Field Education team at the School of Social Work in 2012. She previously worked with physical rehabilitation at a hospital in Rockford, IL, where she also served as the social worker for the traumatic brain injury team. For 11 years, Nancy provided counseling services and managed a team of therapists in the Minneapolis area. She also published a collection of short stories for young readers that focused on topics of diversity, illness, foster care, and safety. She has been providing counseling services in Central IL since 2006. This scholarship was created to honor her late husband and supports students in the MSW and BSW programs. | Awarded to a deserving BSW or MSW student who has demonstrated commitment to any of the following areas: social justice, restorative justice, civil rights, and/or experience working with marginalized persons. A letter of support is required from a person familiar with your interests and experience as they relate to the above. Examples include (but are not limited to) a member of the faculty or staff at the School of Social Work, or a social work professional from the community. | $1,000 |
| Mark P. Hale Scholarship | Mark P. Hale served as professor and director of the School of Social Work from 1962 until his death in 1977. Professor Hale’s career was extensive, including work with the Social Work Education’s Accreditation Commission. He was a Fulbright Scholar in 1957-1958. His research focused on healthcare services, policies, and cost control in Scandinavia, Great Britain, France, and the United States. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding MSW student with the potential for significant contributions to the social work profession. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student who demonstrates outstanding scholarship and potential for making a significant contribution to the social work profession. Applicants are encouraged to provide a writing sample. A letter of support from a faculty member is required. | $750 |
| Janice M. Hartman Memorial Scholarship | Janice Hartman (MSW, ’76) graduated third in her high school class but did not begin her college career until her sixth child began kindergarten. While attending Sangamon State University, she worked at the Springfield Mental Health Center. After completing her MSW, she worked in child welfare before joining the U of I School of Social Work faculty, where she taught, administered the undergraduate program, and served as an assistant and associate dean. Very passionate about helping young parents and their families, Jan was a founding member of the Crisis Nursery and served as its vice president and president. After retiring from Illinois, she became the director of the Infant Parent Institute and a trainer for the DCFS Foster Grandparents program. Established by her former husband and dedicated to her memory, this scholarship is intended to support non-traditional or returning MSW students with previous field experience, specializing in child welfare, and/or are legal guardians/primary caregivers for a minor(s). | Awarded to a deserving MSW student with preference given to non-traditional students that have worked in the field. | $1,185 |
| Adah Hopkins Aime Scholarship | Adah Hopkins Aime was a pioneering social worker who overcame personal and societal challenges and improved people’s lives. A harness maker’s daughter from Iowa, Adah earned a college degree in 1905, when fewer than three percent of American women graduated from four-year colleges, and women could not vote. As the class commencement speaker at her Grinnell College graduation ceremony, she spoke out against child labor. After graduation, she moved to New York City and worked in settlement houses in some of the city's poorest areas. Her career included direct service, administration at a national level, and college-level teaching of social work at what would become Carnegie Mellon University and at her alma mater. She served as the director of the War Camp Community Service, which coordinated women’s war activities nationally during World War I. She was in charge of women’s activities for the USO in World War II. Adah’s granddaughter created this scholarship to honor her grandmother and to support students who, like Adah, have experienced hardships during their education and have persevered. | Awarded to a student who has experienced hardship during their MSW studies and persevered. Letter of support required. | $2,235 |
| Sue Keller Memorial Scholarship | Sue Keller (MSW, ’14, BSLAS, ’92) was a local legend in the social work community. After completing her undergraduate degree, Sue spent her entire career providing mental health and social work services through organizations such as the Crisis Line, the Mental Health Center of Champaign County, and the Men’s Emergency Shelter. After her MSW, Sue became a counselor for Faculty/Staff Assistance Services, and upon earning her LCSW, she opened a private practice that offered a sliding fee scale to make counseling more accessible and affordable to the community. Sue served as the president of the Board of Directors for the Downstate Illinois Society for Clinical Social Work, providing low-cost continuing education for social workers and other mental health providers. Sue’s family and closest friends knew her to be a person who found joy in everything, and if it weren’t there, to begin with, she would create it. This scholarship, honoring this remarkable woman and public servant, supports MSW students focusing on mental health and intends to inspire the recipients to carry on Sue’s legacy of helping others and spreading joy wherever they go. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student specializing in mental health. | $1,000 |
| Michael C. Langendorf Memorial Scholarship | Michael C. Langendorf (MSW, ’81, BSLAS, ’75) devoted his life to the social work profession. He was a caring and dedicated friend to many at the School of Social Work, the local community, and beyond. Michael was proud to be a psychiatric and school social worker and was beloved by his community and colleagues. He worked for the Department of Children and Family Services and the Oak Therapeutic School in Chicago. Upon moving to central Illinois, Michael worked at Cunningham Children’s Home in Urbana, St. Elizabeth Hospital in Danville, Private Mental Health Associates in Danville, Ford-Iroquois Special Education Coop, Vermilion Association for Special Education, and the University of Illinois Laboratory High School. This scholarship supports MSW students in the school social work specialization. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student in the school social work specialization in honor of the late alumnus Michael C. Langendorf. | $560 |
| Becca Nimmer Marcus Scholarship | Becca Nimmer Marcus (MSW, ’83) has established herself as an outstanding graduate of the School of Social Work. She has been involved in many crucial mental health activities. She is currently on staff at the College of William and Mary as the Director of Mindfulness Training at the Center for Mindfulness and Authentic Excellence. She previously served at the same institution’s Counseling Center for 20 years. In 2021, she co-authored a paper that examined the efficacy of university-offered mindfulness training on perceived stress. This scholarship was established by Paul Marcus, Becca’s husband, to honor her lifelong career in helping college students succeed and find balance in their lives. | Awarded to a deserving BSW or MSW student with a strong interest in the field of mental health. Academic merit and financial need will also be considered in the selection process. | $1,645 |
| Ron H. Moorman Scholarship in Child Welfare | This fund was established in honor of Ronald H. Moorman’s lifetime dedication to children and families. He served for 22 years with the Child Care Association of Illinois, having held the position of president and CEO at the time of his retirement in July 2001. This scholarship is awarded to an MSW student specializing in child welfare. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student specializing in the field of child welfare. | $465 |
| National Alliance on Mental Illness Champaign County Scholarship | NAMI Champaign County (IL) seeks to improve the lives of individuals who live with mental illness, as well as all those who love them through public awareness, support, education, and advocacy. Founded in 1983 as Supportive Families of the Mentally Ill and later joining the NAMI alliance, NAMI Champaign County hopes that this support will help remove financial barriers and address the growing need for more clinical service providers in the field. | Awarded to MSW students with preference for students specializing in the mental health concentration. | $2,000 |
| Patchner-Ramanathan Scholarship | Current Professor Emeritus Dr. Pallassana Balgopal and former Associate Professor Dr. Michael A. Patchner created the Patchner-Ramanathan Scholarship. The fund is named after each professor’s parents. The purpose of this fund is to provide a scholarship to Social Work students concentrating in the area of healthcare for the elderly. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student with preference given to candidates concentrating in the areas of health care and/or providing care for the older adult population. | $715 |
| Roxie A. Watson Memorial Scholarship | This award was created by Carol Watson (BSW, ’80) to honor her late mother. The award is intended to support current students who have succeeded in their academic pursuits despite encountering obstacles to success and have demonstrated a desire to make a difference but who may not typically qualify for assistance. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student who has succeeded academically in spite of obstacles and demonstrates a desire to make a difference. Preference given to students who may not qualify for traditional financial assistance and/or identify as single parents, direct caregivers, and/or veterans. | TBD |
| Scholarship for School Social Workers | To provide scholarship and recruitment support for Master of Social Work students studying the School Social Work specialization in the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. | Awarded to MSWS students specialzing in school social work. | $2,500 |
| Esther & Marvin Steinberg Memorial Scholarship | Esther Steinberg (PhD, ’74) was a professor of educational policy at the University of Illinois and a senior specialist in the Computer-based Education Research Lab. Her son-in-law created this scholarship to honor his in-laws. The award is intended to support students who have experienced being homeless or have experience working with homelessness and hunger issues or to students who demonstrate plans to work with homeless populations or persons experiencing hunger issues. | Awarded to a deserving student with preference given to those that have experienced being homeless, or have worked with homeless and/or hunger-related issues. Additional consideration given to students who demonstrate future plans to work with homeless populations and/or persons experiencing food insecurity. | TBD |
| Dr. Marietta Stevenson Memorial Scholarship | Dr. Marietta Steveson became the first head of the university’s new social work division in 1943. Dr. Stevenson eventually renamed the program to the School of Social Work. She dedicated herself to building cooperative relationships with social work agencies to provide fieldwork placement for students. Dr. Stevenson retired in 1961, having established the School’s mission to develop and disseminate knowledge and to be committed to diversity and social justice. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student who has a demonstrated interest in social work policy and can provide supporting evidence of leadership. Examples can include (but are not limited to) contributions to class projects, student organizations, community service, and internship experiences. | $1,100 |
| Mur & Henry Taylor Scholarship in Social Work | Mary “Mur” Taylor (MSW, ’85) bequeathed the funds for this scholarship upon her late husband’s passing. A staple of the community for years, Mur & Henry Taylor maintained close ties to the university, particularly the former Aviation Institute and the School of Social Work. Mrs. Taylor created this scholarship in hopes of supporting non-traditional students returning to school to further their education and experience in the field of social work. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student with preference given to non-traditional students returning to school to further their education and experience in the field of social work. | $4,480 |
| Shirly Wattenberg Scholarship | Shirley Wattenberg was a medical social worker at Cook County Hospital after graduating from the University of Chicago in 1945. In 1954, she worked as an instructor and clinical researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health until 1958, when she moved to Illinois to work as a caseworker, supervisor, and eventually acting director for Family Service of Champaign until 1966. She was an assistant professor in the School of Social Work for six years before she was promoted to associate professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, where she continued her research on public health and healthcare social work until her death in 1989. Her husband, Albert Wattenberg, a retired professor of physics at U of I, created this scholarship to honor his late wife’s memory. | Awarded to a deserving MSW student specializing in the field of health care. | $1,695 |
| Youngsoon Park Scholarship for Social Work | Youngsoon Park (1917-2009) was a talented and inspiring storyteller. From the time of her birth until her mid-30s, she survived the Japanese colonial rule of Korea and the Korean War. The Youngsoon Park Scholarship for Social Work was established by Dr. Ga-Young Choi (PhD, ’09, MSW, ’02) to honor her grandmother, Youngsoon Park. Dr. Choi recalls growing up and listening to her grandmother’s stories detailing what it was like to live through these two historical periods. Her stories centered on taking each life experience, even the adverse ones, as opportunities for learning and growth. Dr. Choi fondly remembers her grandmother’s resiliency, curiosity, and genuine care for others. She hopes this scholarship and her grandmother’s story inspire student recipients to develop and cultivate these qualities in themselves and others. Beyond honoring her grandmother, Dr. Choi hopes this scholarship will bring awareness to the Korean American community. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing ethnic minority in the United States, and Korean Americans are the fifth-largest Asian ethnic group. Despite these facts, Korean American practitioners in healthcare, mental health, and social services report that there are not enough Korean speaking helping professionals to serve this population. Dr. Choi envisions this scholarship motivating its recipients to contribute to enhancing the well-being of this population in any way they can. | Awarded to BSW or MSW students who are passionate and committed to improving the well-being of the Korean American community in the United States. Preference given to students who are conversationally bi-lingual in English and Korean languages and/or have demonstrated financial need. Further preference shall be given to students who have made ongoing efforts to learn and serve the Korean American community, such as independent study or volunteer experience in the Korean American community, and students participating in a study abroad program in Korea through the University. | $1,815 |
MSW Award Description and Requirements