Scholarships at Kent School of Social Work and Family Science 2024 - 2025 — Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science

Scholarships

Currently enrolled students in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science Master of Social Work (MSSW) program may apply for the scholarships listed below. Scholarship and eligibility details are outlined in the listings.

The scholarships offered through the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science are established for the advancement of the School’s mission to prepare students for generalist social work practice with diverse, vulnerable and marginalized individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. While some scholarships were established by donors requesting specific award parameters, all students are eligible to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age

Kent School of Social Work and Family Science Programs

BSW | MSSW | Doctoral Programs | MSCFT |

BSW

Currently enrolled students in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program may apply for the following scholarships listed below. Scholarship and eligibility details are outlined in the listings.

The BSW program scholarship application portal is open September 15 – November 15 for Spring semester awards. Award recipients will be notified an estimated two to three weeks prior to the start of the semester.Applications are not accepted prior to the opening date or after the deadline. Submissions outside of the designated period will receive a message stating the portal is currently unavailable.

BRIDGE TO OPPORTUNITY
The scholarship aims to provide an opportunity for students from West Louisville Neighborhood, Portland, Shawnee and Russell, but is open to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. This $500 scholarship is awarded to two students annually.
Eligibility/Requirements: Preferred applicant should reside in the West Louisville Neighborhood but is open to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. A 3.0 GPA is required.

CENTERSTONE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Scholarships will be awarded to BSW seniors who intend to enroll in the MSSW program. The award of $7,500 will be distributed annually to three students ($2,500 each) who have their practicum placement with Centerstone.
Eligibility/Requirements: Selected students are eligible for a second year of funding if requirements of the scholarship are maintained. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have a 3.0 GPA and exhibit proof of community engagement either prior to or during their time at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. Students must complete at 500-word essay regarding why they want to work in their desired field, specifically for Centerstone. The essay should include why the scholarship is important to them, what they hope to achieve with their job placement and their career aspirations. Selections will be made by the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science Scholarship Committee, as approved by the Dean of the Kent School.

COMPASSIONATE SCHOLARS AWARD
This $500 scholarship is open to both BSW and MSSW students with a preference for an underrepresented BSW male student from a culturally and/or linguistically diverse background. However, the scholarship is open to all eligible students regardless of color, national origin, sex, disability age or recovery from mental health or addiction. The scholarship will be renewable for each year that the student is enrolled in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science in accordance with the scholarship renewal policy then in effect, provided that the student maintains status as a student in good academic standing, and completes all necessary criteria to re-apply for the scholarship each academic year.
Eligibility/Requirements: Eligible students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and submit a two- to three-page essay in response to “How do you anticipate your diverse background will contribute to or impact your field of interest? What does compassion mean to you, and how do you show compassion to others?.” Applicants should address how his/her academic achievements, community service activities, leadership and personal characteristics have prepared him/her to become a professional in this field.

DREAMERS & SEEKERS SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship aims to provide support for a student from the city of Louisville with preference for a Louisville Male High School graduate demonstrating high academic merit. This annual scholarship provides a one-time award for a high-achieving incoming or current BSW student from a historically under-represented population that experiences financial challenges with less access to resources and financial means. However, this scholarship is open to all eligible BSW students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. The award can be used for tuition, books, school supplies or other educational expenses.
Eligibility/Requirements: Incoming first year undergraduate students must have at least 3.0 high school GPA and must submit a 300-word essay answering the question “What is guiding your educational journey and why is it important to you?”

I AM THE CHANGE SCHOLARSHIP
This $500 scholarship is open and available for both BSW and MSSW students pursuing the promotion of social work practice. Scholarships are awarded to those able to do academic work at the university level, and who are actively engaged in social justice and social change initiatives on their campus and/or in the community.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must maintain a 3.5 minimum GPA. A two-page essay is required in the form of a recommendation letter to yourself for a “dream job” in the field of social work. In the letter, you must include what impact have you had or you hope to have at your practicum site, in your classes and within your community. You must also speak to the impact you hope to have after you accomplish your time at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.

IDA HENENLEY STRENG MEMORIAL FUND
This scholarship is open to all Kent School of Social Work and Family Science students.
Eligibility/Requirements: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

JAMES & CATHERINE BADLEY LOTT SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to all eligible Kent School students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. It can be used for books, school supplies, tuition or any educational expense.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and submit a 300- to 500- word essay answering the question “What guides your educational journey, and why is it important to you?”

KENT SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AND FAMILY SCIENCE BSW SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to Kent School of Social Work and Family Science Bachelor of Social Work students.
Eligibility/Requirements: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

MAUDE AINSLIE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to Kent School social work students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Eligibility/Requirements: Students must submit a two-page essay addressing personal and educational goals, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

THE TRANS CHAMPION AWARD
This $500 scholarship is designed for the advancement of transgender rights (those who identify as transgender, nonbinary, gender queer or gender nonconforming). This award is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. The student chosen will exemplify the attributes necessary to be an advocate for transgender rights within the field of social work.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must submit one- to two-page essay describing how you are an advocate for the transgender community and why you should be considered for the award, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

BSW scholarship application form link

MSSW

Currently enrolled students in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science Master of Social Work (MSSW) program may apply for the following scholarships listed below. Scholarship and eligibility details are outlined in the listings.

The MSSW program provides two application opportunities for scholarship awards in both the Fall and Spring semesters. The scholarship application portal is openMay 1- July 1 for the Fall semester awards and September 15 – November 15 for the Spring semester awards. Award recipients will be notified an estimated two to three weeks prior to the start of the semester.Applications are not accepted prior to the opening date or after the deadline. Submissions outside of the designated period will receive a message stating the portal is currently unavailable.

CENTERSTONE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Scholarships will be awarded to BSW seniors who intend to enroll in the MSSW program. The award of $7,500 will be distributed annually to three students ($2,500 each) who have their practicum placement with Centerstone.
Eligibility/Requirements: Selected students are eligible for a second year of funding if requirements of the scholarship are maintained. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and exhibit proof of community engagement either prior to or during their time at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. Applicant must complete a 500-word essay regarding why they want to work in their desired field, specifically for Centerstone. The essay should include why the scholarship is important to them, what they hope to achieve with their job placement, and their career aspirations. Selections will be made by the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science Scholarship Committee, as approved by the Dean of the Kent School.

COMPASSIONATE SCHOLARS AWARD
This $500 scholarship is designed for the advancement of underrepresented male students from a culturally and/or linguistically diverse background but is open to all eligible students regardless of color, national origin, sex, disability age or recovery from mental health or addiction. The scholarship will be renewable for each year that the student is enrolled in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science in accordance with the scholarship renewal policy then in effect, provided that the student maintains status as a student in good academic standing, and completes all necessary criteria to re-apply for the scholarship each academic year.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must maintain a 3.0 GPA and submit a two- to three-page essay in response to the prompt, “How do you anticipate your diverse background will contribute to or impact your field of interest? What does compassion mean to you, and how do you do show compassion to others?” Applicants should address how their academic achievements, community service activities, leadership and personal characteristics have prepared them to become a professional in this field.

EDWARD WUNSCH SCHOLARSHIP
$500 Scholarship Award. This scholarship is open to MSSW students at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must be committed to work in gerontology social work/practicum placement/concentration. They must address plans for working in gerontology social work, and why they deserve the award.

ELAINE C. PAYNE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to MSSW students at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. The award may be used for books, tuition or any other educational expense directly related to the pursuit of a degree. The scholarship is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Eligibility/Requirements: It is the donor's preference that the recipient be a single mother who values education and is from a historically underrepresented background. However, the scholarship is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

GAIL HUECKER SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to Kent School of Social Work and Family Science MSSW students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, interested in serving Hispanic or Latina populations, women, children or those in adult corrections.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

CARDINAL EXPRESS TO SUCCESS
The Cardinal Express to Success scholarship is open to students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) students and graduates who are seeking to pursue their MSSW degree. Open to all eligible applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must have a bachelor's degree from a HBCU or HIS. A 500-word (max.) essay is required describing how you will integrate the core values and educational experiences from your HBCU or HSI to excel in the MSSW program and in your future roles as a professional social worker.

I AM THE CHANGE SCHOLARSHIP
This $500 scholarship is open and available for both BSW and MSSW students pursuing the promotion of social work practice. Scholarships are awarded to those able to do academic work at the university level, and who are actively engaged in social justice and social change initiatives on their campus and/or in the community.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must maintain a 3.5 minimum GPA. A two-page essay in the form of a recommendation letter to yourself for a “dream job” in the social work field is required. The letter must speak on the impact your hope to have after you accomplish at your time at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. Additionally, it must include what impact have you had, or do you hope to have at your practicum site, in your classes and within your community.

IDA HENENLEY STRENG MEMORIAL FUND
This scholarship is open to all Kent School of Social Work and Family Science students.
Eligibility/Requirements: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

JAMES & CATHERINE BADLEY LOTT SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to all eligible Kent School students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age to use for (books, school supplies, tuition or any educational expense)
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a 300- to 500- word essay answering the question: “What is guiding your educational journey, and why is it important to you?.”

JOANN HARRISON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to students seeking a Master's degree in Social Work (MSSW) from the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. Once selected, a student may continue to receive the scholarship until graduation so long as the student meets the renewal requirements as established by the University's director of financial aid.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must have or maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

KENT SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AND FAMILY SCIENCE MASTERS SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to students obtaining a master's degree in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

LILLIAN MILANOF APPALACHIAN SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is available to applicants who are from, lived in or express an interest in working in the Appalachian counties of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia or North Carolina with an interest in studying child welfare.
Eligibility/Requirements: First preference will be given to applicants who are from, lived in, or express an interest in working in the Appalachian counties of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia or North Carolina. Applicants should express an interest in studying child welfare. Should no eligible student meet both preferences, the first preference is the desired priority.

LYNN CARR SCHOLARSHIP FUND
This scholarship is open to applicants pursuing a MSSW degree with an interest in rural social work, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. Once selected, a student may continue to receive the scholarship until graduation so long as the dean of the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science determines that the student is making satisfactory progress toward a master's degree.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

MAUDE AINSLIE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to Kent School social work students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must submit a two-page essay addressing personal and educational goals, and have at a minimum 3.0 GPA.

MILDRED MARTIN SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to MSSW students at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

NIA ENDOWED AWARD
This scholarship is designed for the advancement of MSSW African American students but is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must demonstrate significant financial need, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

ROBERT SILVA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
This scholarship is open to MSSW students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, who matriculate in or undertake studies leading to a career in social work.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

RUTH MALCOLM SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to all students in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

SHEELA STEVENS SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to BSW and MSSW students in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must have a practicum placement at Elderserve, maintain a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need with a FASFA on file and submit a two- to three-page essay which discusses interest in gerontology and career aspirations in gerontology social work practice.

TERRY AND NANCY SINGER SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship provides support for students in the MSSW and PhD programs related to Oncology Social Work in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, University of Louisville.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

THE TRANS CHAMPION AWARD

This $500 scholarship is designed for the advancement transgender rights (those who identify as transgender, nonbinary, gender queer or gender nonconforming). This award is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. The student chosen will exemplify the attributes necessary to be an advocate for transgender rights within the field of social work.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must submit a 1–2-page essay describing how you are an advocate for the transgender community and why you should be considered for the award and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

RUSSELL LOUDEN SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to MSSW students at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

MSSW scholarship application form

MSCFT

Currently enrolled students in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) program may apply for the following scholarships listed below. Scholarship and eligibility details are outlined in the listings.

The CFT program scholarship application portal is openJanuary 1–March 15. Award recipients will be notified in the month of April.Applications are not accepted prior to the opening date or after the deadline. Submissions outside of the designated period will receive a message stating the portal is currently unavailable.

HANNAH COOPER FAMILY EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP
This $650 scholarship is open to students applying and admitted to the CFT program regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. Scholarship recipients agree to volunteer three hours per week each semester at their practicum placement or in a West Louisville family agency.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must submit a two- to three- page essay demonstrating experience or commitment to working with underserved or disadvantaged populations as evidenced by prior or current work, volunteer experience, leadership skills and professional association membership. They agree to complete the requirement volunteer service and have a minimum a 3.0 GPA.

IDA HENENLEY STRENG MEMORIAL FUND
This scholarship is open to all Kent School of Social Work and Family Science students.
Eligibility/Requirements: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

JOE & CAROLYN BROWN CFT PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is designed for the advancement of minority students however, the scholarship is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age. The scholarship will be renewable for each year that the student is enrolled in Kent School of Social Work and Family Science’s MSCFT program in accordance with the scholarship renewal policy then in effect, provided the student maintains status as a student in good academic standing.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, demonstrate financial need and submit a two- to three-page essay describing a commitment to working with low-income families within the community, particularly diverse populations, as evidenced by prior or current work/volunteer experience, leadership skills and/or professional association memberships.

KENT SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AND FAMILY SCIENCE MASTERS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
This scholarship is open to students obtaining a master's degree in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

NORTHSTAR CFT SCHOLARSHIP
The scholarship provides a one-time financial award of $1,500 for an incoming or returning CFT student. The scholarship is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must have a minimum undergraduate 3.0 GPA and submit a two- to three-page essay addressing how academic achievements, community service activities, examples of leadership and personal characteristics have prepared them to become a professional in this field. What would you bring to the practice that would be unique or different than other therapists you have experienced, and how would this positively impact the field of marriage and family therapy?

CFT PROGRAM SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP
CFT Program Summer Scholarship is open the CFT program students.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate a financial need and submit a two- to three-page essay regarding your plans for practicing marriage/couple family therapy after graduation.

MSCFT scholarship application form

Doctoral Programs

Currently enrolled students in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science doctoral programs may apply for the following scholarships listed below. Scholarship and eligibility details are outlined in the listings.

The application portal for the Kent School scholarships, IDA HENENLEY STRENG MEMORIAL FUND and THE TRANS CHAMPION AWARD,is openMay 1- July 1 for a Fall semester award. Award recipients will be notified an estimated two to three weeks prior to the start of the semester.Applications are not accepted prior to the opening date or after the deadline. Submissions outside of the designated period will receive a message stating the portal is currently unavailable.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) program has a rolling, open portal for scholarship applications. Award recipients will be notified within two to four weeks of the submission.

KENT SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN TO DSW AND PHD APPLICANTS

IDA HENENLEY STRENG MEMORIAL FUND
This scholarship is open to all Kent School of Social Work and Family Science students.
Eligibility/Requirements: Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

THE TRANS CHAMPION AWARD

SCHOLARSHIPS LISTED BELOW ARE FOR PHD PROGRAM APPLICANTS ONLY

JENKINS-CARTER SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is in support of one student that has been accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. Open to all eligible social work students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Eligibility/Requirements: The recipient will be selected by the Kent School PhD program director and doctoral program manager. This scholarship is open to all eligible social work students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.

KAYSER ENDOWED DOCTORAL TRAINING GRANT
This two-year scholarship is awarded to one student accepted into the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science doctoral program as a psychosocial oncology student.
Eligibility/Requirements: This is not a need-based scholarship. Academic and/or professional merit must be demonstrated.

KENT SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AND FAMILY SCIENCE PHD SCHOLARS
This scholarship is awarded to Kent School of Social Work and Family Science doctoral students.
Eligibility/Requirements: The recipient will be selected by the Kent School PhD program director and doctoral program manager This scholarship is open to all eligible social work students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.

KENT SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AND FAMILY SCIENCE PHD SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is awarded to Kent School of Social Work and Family Science doctoral students. This scholarship is open to all eligible social work students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Eligibility/Requirements: The recipient will be selected by the Kent School PhD program director and doctoral program manager. This scholarship is open to all eligible social work students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.

KUEBER FAMILY FOUNDATION
This scholarship is an assistantship in support of one student that has been accepted into the Kent School doctoral program whose research focus is on a child welfare topic including, but not limited to, residential care, foster care, adoption, etc. The award will be used to cover academic expenses, in-part or in-full, such as tuition, health insurance and a monthly stipend for ten months during each academic year.
Eligibility/Requirements: The recipient will be selected by the Kent School PhD program director, in consultation with the dean.

RUTH HUBER PHD SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is open to Kent School of Social Work and Family Science doctoral students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age who are involved with research focused on LGBTQ issues. Students in the Kent School PhD program can request support to cover expenses related to conducting, presenting or publishing PhD research from the Fund at any time.
Eligibility/Requirements: Requests for support must be submitted in writing from the PhD student in need to the Kent School PhD program director, accompanied by a letter of support from the student's primary faculty mentor or the chair of their dissertation committee.

TERRY AND NANCY SINGER SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship provides support for students in the PhD and MSSW programs related to Oncology Social Work in the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, University of Louisville.
Eligibility/Requirements: Applicant must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with UofL’s Financial Aid Office, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Doctoral scholarship application form link