merit scholarships
Dean's Merit Scholarship
The Smith College School for Social Work is delighted to announce the dean's merit scholarship offering $3,000 to $8,000 scholarships a year as a two-year commitment. Merit scholarships are independent of financial need or financial aid considerations.
All accepted applicants will be considered for merit review. No separate application process is required.
Requirements
Students selected will:
- Have excelled academically in previous coursework
- Possess intellectual curiosity and a passion for social work as evidenced in extracurricular activities, volunteer/community efforts and/or work experience
- Demonstrate an exceptional commitment to social work and social work values, including a commitment to diversity
- Applicants must be either in active duty, a veteran or retired. Applicants may be affiliated with any branch of the military, including the Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves (Please submit a copy of your ID card and DD214 with your application materials).
- Applicants must have completed their bachelor's degree.
- Applicants must have a commitment to serving the mental health issues of military personnel and their dependents upon graduation.
- Applicants must submit all application materials no later than the Non-Binding Early Admission deadline date of January 5 along with a letter describing their interest in serving the mental health needs of military personnel and their dependents.
- Continuation of this award is contingent upon the recipient remaining in good academic standing both in their coursework and in field placement.
Scholarship for Military Personnel
The Scholarship for Military Personnel is awarded annually to a member of the military or to a veteran who is making a commitment to work with the mental health issues of military personnel and their families upon graduation. The scholarship guarantees full tuition for the 27-month program, as well as on campus room and board while the student is on campus during the summer months (approximately $50,000 in total).
The scholarship recipient will also be given preference in the assignment of the geographic location for their field placement (to be selected from the SSW listing of geographic options available).
Requirements
While preference will be given to those in financial need, financial need is not a requirement for consideration.
How to Apply
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants should submit, with their admission application, a one page statement outlining their affiliation with the military and describing their professional goals upon graduation. Notification of the scholarship will be sent with an admission packet in early February. (Admission decisions are available on a rolling basis within about 6-8 weeks of application; applications from the military are welcome year round.)
More Information
For more information about this award, contact the Director of Graduate Enrollment.
Yellow Ribbon Benefits
The Smith College School for Social Work is proud to be a sponsor of the Yellow Ribbon Program for our nation's veterans. The program was created as part of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Act of 2008. Students seeking a Master's degree can apply for assistance through this program. Students must complete a Yellow Ribbon Benefits Request Form to be considered. Funding is limited and will be issued on a first come, first served basis. Awarding will be determined by the date and time this form is returned to the appropriate office. Any student applying for this benefit is encouraged to fax or email the completed form. This program is only open to those veterans who have met the necessary qualifications for enrollment in this program. Eligibility criteria can be viewed on the GI Bill Website.
Any student awarded funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program will continue to receive this benefit as long as they remain in good academic standing and Smith continues to participate in the program. Students must also have a remaining entitlement through the Veteran's Administration (VA). Yearly funding levels will depend on the amount Smith commits to this program.
2012-2013 Funding Level
| Graduate School for Social Work | 1 Student Maximum | $ 7,500 |
The funding levels above will be matched by a direct contribution from the VA. Eligible students meeting the application criteria will be awarded the benefit regardless of whether they qualify for need-based assistance. This benefit will replace need-based grant assistance on a dollar for dollar basis, per our outside aid policy. Students accepted into Smith's Yellow Ribbon program will be required to present their VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to a School Certifying Official.
Reaching for Excellence
A limited number of $3,000 to $5,000 Reaching for Excellence (REX) Scholarships will be awarded to members of each entering class who have participated in this program.
Funds are awarded on a two-year commitment. All accepted students who participated in the on-campus REX program are automatically considered for the REX Scholarship.
