Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
The Missouri State University Financial Aid Office has information about work study, work fellowships and other aid. http://www.missouristate.edu/FinancialAid/default.htm
The Graduate College also posts information about scholarships, graduate assistantships, and other aid. http://graduate.missouristate.edu/
A limited number of graduate assistantships, field stipends, and scholarships are available directly through the School of Social Work. The scholarships are described below. Announcements about graduate assistantship openings will be sent directly to current and incoming students.
Columbia Hospital Scholarship
The Columbia Hospital South Auxiliary Scholarship For MSW Students
The members of the Auxiliary of Columbia Hospital South started this fund to give scholarships to both nursing and social work students, because they saw the importance of both professions in the medical setting. The Auxiliary no longer exists because Columbia Hospital South was absorbed into another hospital system; however, the members left a solid amount in an endowment fund, allowing the School of Social Work to continue granting awards in the future. One scholarship of $600.00 is awarded for the fall semester each year.
Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must meet all the following criteria:
1. Must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours during the duration of receipt of the scholarship.
2. Must have a minimum GPA of 3.00.
3. Must demonstrate a commitment to the social work profession and a health-related practice setting. The School of Social Work defines health holistically along seven dimensions: social, emotional, economic, mental, spiritual, physical and cultural. Health-related social work services are delivered within the context of the primary mission of serving disadvantaged and oppressed persons. Applicants demonstrate these commitments in the required application essay (described below) and by one or more of the following:
1. Have a sustained record of participating in professional organizations, i.e., NASW, MASW or other groups serving disadvantaged and oppressed persons.
2. Have a sustained and current record of community/volunteer service to disadvantaged populations in health-related ways.
4. Must demonstrate a financial need for the scholarship.
Application Packet
Each applicant must submit all the following materials:
1. An official Missouri State University transcript to confirm GPA.
2. Two letters of reference.
1. From a Missouri State University School of Social Work faculty member or faculty member from the applicant's undergraduate program who addresses the applicant's (a) academic abilities and performance in the classroom; (b) critical thinking abilities; and (c) commitment to the social work profession and family health.
2. From a supervisor or colleague in a volunteer, professional or employment (social service employment) setting that addresses the applicant's (a) commitment to disadvantaged persons and the promotion of health; (b) skills and work habits that demonstrate empathy for disadvantaged persons; and (c) other skills, abilities and qualities that demonstrate the applicant's potential for effective service and leadership in the social work profession.
Each applicant must have her/his references give their letters of references to the applicant in sealed envelopes with the references' names written across the seal of the envelope.
3. An essay that does not exceed 1,000 words in length (typed, double-spaced, with reasonable margins) that addresses the following items:
1. In your own words, describe how you would promote the health of disadvantaged and oppressed persons. Describe a time in your life when you have promoted the health of disadvantaged persons.
2. What are your personal and professional goals and how do they incorporate health promotion?
3. What major contribution do you hope/plan to make in the field of social work?
4. Two paragraphs in which you describe your need for the Columbia Hospital South Auxiliary Scholarship. Please type and double-space these two paragraphs.
Due Date
Friday, May 29, 2009 by 5:00 p.m. in the MSW Program Coordinator's mailbox in the Social Work Departmental Office (PROF200). All materials must be submitted by the applicant as one package.
Review Process
Each application will be reviewed by at least two members of a three-member committee comprised of School of Social Work faculty and staff and at least one social work practitioner.
Each application will be reviewed using the following criteria:
1. GPA (1 - 5 points; 3.00 1 point; 3.20 = 2 points; 3.40 = 3 points; 3.60 = 4 points; 3.80 and higher = 5 points).
2. References: References will be evaluated according to how thoroughly the reference addresses the criteria listed above. Each reference letter will be given points on a scale of 1-5.
3. Essay: The essay will be reviewed on the following criteria:
1. Demonstration of, understanding of and commitment to health promotion of disadvantaged populations (1-5 points)
2. Writing style and correctness (i.e., spelling, grammar) (1-5 points)
3. Attention to all categories required for the essay (1-5 points)
4. Each statement of need will be evaluated on a scale of 1 to 10 points that consider the factual need described and the conciseness and clarity with which the applicant describes his/her need.
The maximum number of points available is 25.
If you have any questions, please address them to the MSW Program Coordinator, 836-6359.
Liliana Sanchez Memorial Minority Social Work Scholarship
The Liliana Sanchez Memorial Scholarship was established in 2005 by the Missouri State University School of Social Work and the Missouri State University Foundation. The annual scholarship, usually $750, is awarded for the spring semester to a MSW student enrolled in the Missouri State School of Social Work. Guidelines are as follows:
Deadline: All application materials should be submitted by Friday, May 29, 2009 by noon (12 PM) to Dr. Darryl Haslam, MSW Program Director, School of Social Work, Professional Bldg. 209, School of Social Work, Missouri State University, Springfield MO 65897, 417-836-4259 or DHaslam@missouristate.edu
Eligibility Criteria and Guidelines
1. Applicant must submit a one-page statement outlining their commitment to the social work profession, evidenced by community volunteer experience, professional experience or other contributions.
2. Recipients must be enrolled in at least six credit hours in the semester in which they will receive the scholarship.
3. Awards will be made without regard to financial need.
4. Preference will be given to a first generation college student.
5. Preference will be given to a racial minority student.
6. The Director of Social Work will appoint a selection committee and its recommendation will be forwarded to the Financial Aid Office, which will award and administer the scholarship.
7. Scholarship recipients may be considered for renewal but must reapply.
8. This gift will be administered without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability veteran status.
Now available for MSW Students
The Primary Care Resource Initiative for Missouri (PRIMO) Program is a forgivable loan program that provides student loans in exchange for services in health professional shortage areas in Missouri includes Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Loan amounts for master’s level are $5,000.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 30th annually, however late applications will be reviewed pending unspent funds.
See website for information on this state repayment loan for students who wish to work in medically underserved areas in Missouri. For detailed information on the PRIMO loan, contact Bobbi Bellamy, Health Care Coordinator, Southwest Missouri Area Health Education Center (417) 836-5211 bobbibellamy@missouristate.edu
PRIMO SCHOLARS LOAN