The University of Georgia’s School of Social Work is proud to offer a wide range of scholarship opportunities to students. All BSW, MSW, and MSW dual degree students are eligible to apply, however preference will be given to those who do not have any other current University-sponsored scholarships or assistantships.
The Online Scholarship Application system will open for the FY 2024-2025 cycle on September 1 and close on October 1, 2024. Applicants will need a UGA username and password. The Online Scholarship Application system will confirm via email that the application has been submitted. Please be sure to save the email.
**Suggested Environment to visit the online scholarship application:
- The online system runs best on the latest supported versions of Chrome, Firefox, and Safari browsers. It does not run optimally on Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer.
- The system should be accessed via a desktop or laptop computer. It is not compatible with mobile devices or tablets. Both Windows and Mac operating systems are compatible.
Doctoral students are not eligible to apply for these scholarships but can explore financial assistance opportunities at the PhD Financial Assistance webpage.
If you are a BSW, MSW, or MSW dual degree student and would like to be considered for a scholarship(s) please carefully read the description of each scholarship listed below, and submit applications for only those scholarships that are a good fit to your interests and/or experience.
If you need assistance or have any questions please contact Jameelah Jones at [email protected]
Once scholarship is awarded schedule a time to meet with Megan Powell, Development and Alumni Relations Coordinator by email [email protected] or by phone (706) 542-5466.
Please be advised that if this scholarship award results in a financial aid overpayment, the Office of Student Financial Aid will reduce, cancel, and/or ask for repayment of aid accordingly in compliance with federal/state/institutional regulations.
Georgia Commitment Scholarship
Created in 2020 by John Morris (BBA ’90, MACC ’92) and Cindy Morris (BSEd ’90), this scholarship provides need-based aid for students pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Recipients will be selected by the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA).
James D. Horne Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1995 in memory of University friend Jim Horne, this scholarship provides financial assistance to undergraduate or graduate students, with preference given to students interested in working with the homeless population.
Wilbur P. Jones Scholarship
Established in 1985 in memory of community activist Wilbur Jones, this scholarship promotes excellence, diversity and equity in the profession of social work by diversifying the student population within the School of Social Work. The scholarship is typically awarded to a graduate student from an underrepresented group within the field of social work.
Pauline Durant Lide Scholarship
Established in 1987 in memory of former School of Social Work Professor Pauline Lide, provides financial assistance to graduate students demonstrating financial need and superior scholarship.
Elizabeth B. Loyd Scholarship
Established in 2009, this scholarship supports students pursuing a master’s degree with a clinical focus in family-centered social work practice.
Joe and Diane Perno Scholarship Fund
Established in 1987 in memory of School of Social Work alumnus Joe Perno and his wife, Diane, provides financial assistance to social work students, with preference to students pursuing a graduate degree.
The School of Social Work Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established to provide the friends and loved ones of deceased School of Social Work students, faculty, and staff with an opportunity to make a memorial gift to the School. Money donated to this fund in a person’s memory funds a one-time scholarship to a student.
Robert A. Vonk Scholarship
This fund, established in 2013, provides support for a student who is committed to providing excellent social work services to benefit people with developmental disabilities. Recipients shall demonstrate strong scholarship, and an interest in the field of developmental disabilities.
The Kenneth Whiddon Award Fund
Established in 2012 memory of its namesake, this fund supports a student in the master’s degree program whose career goal is to enter the field of mental health
Heather Christina Wright Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship
Established in November 1994, in memory of a former student of the School who died from cancer in her final year of study. Provides financial assistance to a BSW student, with preference given to students demonstrating financial need and the desire to work with cancer patients and their families.
Heather Christina Wright Memorial Graduate Scholarship
Established May 1995 in Heather’s memory. Provides financial assistance to a MSW student using the same criteria as above.
The Sue (Brooks) Stephenson Single Parent Support Fund
This fund supports non-traditional single parent students with a clinical focus in the mental health field. The selection committee’s criterion, in cases where all other factors are equal, is to choose a recipient from the Athens, Georgia area.
The Helen Bird Rasmussen and David J. Rasmussen Scholarship
This scholarship provides scholarship support for an outstanding MSW student who has a clinical focus in clinical social work practice. Criteria include the student’s academic record, financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid, and community volunteer service activities. Emphasis is on the student’s academic record and financial need.
The Helen Elizabeth Huey Scholarship Fund
Established in 2014 in memory of the fund’s namesake by her brother John W. Huey, Jr. and his wife, Kate Ellis Huey, the fund provides scholarship support for Masters of Social Work students. Strong preference is given to students devoted to protecting the interests of disenfranchised children, particularly those growing up in the foster care program.
Civics Academy Leadership in Criminal Justice Award
This is a need-based award with a 20% community service component and demonstrated leadership in the area of criminal justice. The recipient of this award must have a desire to address criminal justice issues collectively and as an advocate proactively move criminal justice to the forefront for positive social change.
The Philip L. Smith Memorial Award in Macro Social Work
This award is for a Master of Social Work student(s) within the Macro Practice specialization who is in good academic standing.
BSW Supporting the Future Scholarship Fund
This fund is a need and merit-based scholarship(s) for an undergraduate student(s) to attend the School of Social Work. Selection shall be based on academic excellence and demonstrated financial need. Preference shall be given to a rising third-year student who has been accepted into the Upper Division of the Bachelor of Social Work Program.
Lawanna Renee Barron Endowment
Established in 2023 the Lawanna Renee Barron Endowment provides support for full-time Bachelors/ Master of Social Work students in the School of Social Work. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate a commitment to service in the African American community and/or whose area of practice is with families in poverty or homelessness.
