Social Work Scholarships for California Students
California-Specific Scholarships
California Title IV-E Education Program – San Diego State University (SDSU)
Provides up to $50,000 in taxable stipends to Master of Social Work (MSW) students committed to child welfare services. Full-time students receive $25,000 annually for up to two years.
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California Title IV-E Education Program – CSU Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)
Offers a two-year stipend program of $25,000 per year to full-time MSW students dedicated to serving children and families in public child welfare. Recipients must commit to two years of employment in a California public child welfare agency.
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Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Stipend – CSUDH
Provides $26,000 annually for two years to full-time MSW students who intern with DCFS and commit to two years of employment with the agency post-graduation.
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Jannette Alexander Foundation Scholarship
Awards $1,000 and a one-year free membership to the California Society for Clinical Social Work to advanced-year MSW students demonstrating excellence in clinical studies and practice. Applicants must attend a California-accredited graduate social work program.
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Golden State Social Opportunities Program (GSSOP)
Offers scholarships of up to $25,000 per year for up to two years to graduate students pursuing licensure as clinical social workers or related fields. Recipients must commit to a 24-month service obligation providing direct patient care in a California-based nonprofit organization.
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Scholarships at San José State University (SJSU) School of Social Work
Multiple scholarships are available for BASW and MSW students, including the Alicia Nájera Memorial Scholarship, Deborah Ann Gregg Memorial Scholarship, and others, with awards ranging from $450 to $2,500.
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Abbott Fund Scholarship – University of the Pacific
Provides up to 50% tuition scholarships to MSW students enrolled in the Diabetes Care & Management track who live or work in the Stockton area and commit to two years of post-graduation work in diabetes care in Stockton.
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Behavioral Health Scholarship Program (BHSP)
Administered by California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), this program offers scholarships of up to $35,000 to students pursuing education or training in behavioral health fields, including social work, in exchange for a 12-month service obligation in an underserved community.
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USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Merit Scholarship
Awards up to approximately $12,500 to incoming on-ground MSW students based on merit. These are one-year awards with the opportunity to apply each year.
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Helen S. Hansen Gerontology Scholarship – SJSU
Awards up to $500 to MSW students demonstrating professional leadership in delivering social services to the elderly.
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Undergraduate
NEXT for AUTISM Fellowship
Offers up to $10,000 to undergraduate students in human services or related fields who are committed to improving the lives of individuals with autism through leadership and advocacy.
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EmPOWERED to Serve Scholars Program
Awards $5,000 to human services students leading community initiatives that address health disparities. Focuses on advancing social equity and reducing health-based systemic barriers.
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Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant
Provides up to $4,000 annually to students studying human services to support workforce development in underserved fields such as social work, counseling, and rehabilitation.
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Mat-Su Health Foundation Vocational Scholarship
Grants up to $5,000 to Alaskan students enrolled in a vocational or associate-level program in human services or healthcare, with a commitment to community well-being.
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Human Services Career Advancement Scholarship (CUNY)
Covers up to 50% of tuition for CUNY undergrads who are frontline workers pursuing degrees in human services, healthcare, or education to advance their careers.
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National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) Scholarships
Provides financial support to undergraduate human services students showing leadership, service, academic success, and a commitment to advocacy in the helping professions.
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Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund
Supports Michigan students who have aged out of foster care and are pursuing degrees in social work or human services, covering tuition and related college expenses.
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Graduate
Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship
Provides up to $5,500 to MSW students committed to addressing health and mental health issues affecting African American communities. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund
Awards two $500 scholarships to MSW students who exemplify a commitment to equity, social justice, and diversity in social work. Ideal for those working with marginalized populations.
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Laurel House Social Work Racial Equity Scholarship
Offers a $10,000 scholarship to MSW students dedicated to promoting racial justice in the social work field, particularly in services supporting domestic violence survivors and underserved populations.
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Jim Dempsey Foundation Scholarship
Offers $1,000 to MSW students from underrepresented backgrounds or those working to advance equity in mental health, housing, or addiction services across vulnerable communities.
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Barry Kasdan Scholarship
Available to MSW students in Connecticut who demonstrate leadership potential in behavioral health and human services. Applicants should show commitment to accessible, client-centered care.
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Stella Cretella Scholarship
Recognizes MSW students in Connecticut who are passionate about transforming mental health policy, destigmatizing care, and providing clinical services to underserved groups. Visit Scholarship
Alice M. Yarnold and Samuel Yarnold Scholarship Trust
Grants $1,000–$5,000 to New Hampshire residents pursuing social work or nursing, prioritizing those committed to healthcare access, especially in rural or low-income communities.
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Doctoral/PhD
Jane B. Aron Doctoral Fellowship
Awards up to $6,000 to support dissertation research related to health care policy, practice, or education in social work. Ideal for students focused on impactful, applied research.
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Grand Challenges for Social Work Doctoral Fellowship
Supports PhD/DSW students addressing one of 13 major societal goals in the profession, such as homelessness, climate change, and social isolation. Promotes innovative, solutions-based research.
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Cynthia J. Bell, PhD Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a doctoral student in social work who has demonstrated excellence in teaching and commitment to social work education. Recognizes future academic leaders in the field.
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Capella University Doctoral Scholarships
Provides $5,000–$10,000 scholarships to new Capella students entering doctoral programs in human services, social work, or psychology. Based on eligibility and academic intent.
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Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Highly prestigious Canadian fellowship offering $50,000 per year for up to three years. Recognizes doctoral students with exceptional academic record, research potential, and leadership ability.
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National Organization for Human Services Scholarships
Annual awards for human services students, including doctoral candidates, who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to advancing the profession.
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Oregon State University HDFS Doctoral Funding
Doctoral students in Human Development and Family Sciences receive assistantships, full tuition waivers, and monthly stipends to support academic research and teaching efforts.
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Walden University Doctoral Scholarships
Multiple internal scholarship opportunities available for Walden doctoral students in human services and social work, aimed at reducing tuition for working professionals.
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Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Awards up to $90,000 in funding to immigrants or children of immigrants pursuing graduate studies, including social work PhDs. Selection based on merit and leadership.
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