Are you passionate about helping others overcome their personal and professional challenges? Do you want to pursue a master’s degree in counseling, but are worried about the cost of your education? If you answered yes to both questions, then this blog post is for you!
In this blog post, we will share with you 9 amazing scholarships that are specifically designed for counseling students like you. These scholarships can help you pay for your tuition and fees, and also provide you with valuable opportunities to network, learn, and grow in the field of counseling. Whether you are interested in marriage and family counseling, mental health counseling, school counseling, or any other counseling specialty, you will find a scholarship that suits your needs and goals.
But before we dive into the details of these scholarships, let us give you some tips on how to prepare a successful scholarship application that will impress the scholarship providers and increase your chances of winning. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
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Tips on How to Prepare a Successful Scholarship Application
Applying for scholarships can be a daunting and competitive process, but it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling one. Here are some tips on how to prepare a successful scholarship application that will stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of winning:
- Start early and plan. Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships and complete your application. Give yourself enough time to research the eligibility and requirements, gather the necessary documents, write and revise your statement, and ask for letters of recommendation. Planning will also help you avoid missing deadlines and submitting incomplete or rushed applications.
- Follow the instructions and guidelines. Read the instructions and guidelines carefully, and make sure you understand what the scholarship provider is looking for. Follow the format, word limit, and style specified by the scholarship provider. Answer the questions or prompts clearly and directly. Provide all the information and documents requested by the scholarship provider. Proofread your application for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. A well-written and well-organized application will show your professionalism and attention to detail.
- Showcase your strengths and achievements. Use your statement, resume, and letters of recommendation to highlight your strengths and achievements that are relevant to the scholarship and the field of counseling. Demonstrate your academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement, career goals, and passion for counseling. Provide specific examples and evidence to support your claims. Avoid being vague, generic, or modest. Be confident and proud of your accomplishments and potential.
- Be authentic and personal. Don’t try to copy or imitate someone else’s application or style. Don’t write what you think the scholarship provider wants to hear. Write from your perspective and voice. Share your personal story, experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Show your personality, character, and values. Be honest and sincere. A genuine and personal application will show your uniqueness and originality.
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9 Great Counseling Scholarships Worth Applying For
Here are 9 counseling scholarships that you should consider applying for if you meet the eligibility criteria. These scholarships are offered by various organizations and associations that support the counseling profession and education. Some of them are specific to certain fields or populations of counseling, while others are open to all counseling students.
1. Clinton E. Phillips Scholarship
The Clinton E. Phillips Scholarship is offered by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). It is named after Clinton E. Phillips, who was dedicated to furthering MFT education. The scholarship is for students studying marriage and family counseling who are in the process of obtaining an advanced degree. The scholarship amount varies each year, depending on the availability of funds.
Eligibility:
- The applicant has to be enrolled in an approved or accredited degree program, leading to a degree that meets Sections 4980.37, 4980.40, and 4980.41 of the Business and Professions Code, or is licensed as a marriage and family therapist and is pursuing advanced training in an accredited or approved degree program.
- The applicant has a demonstrated financial need as established by the Scholarship Committee.
Application:
- Applicants have to complete an online application form and submit a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation.
- The application deadline is usually in April each year.
- For more information, visit the CAMFT website.
2. AMHCA Foundation Student Travel Award Scholarship
The American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA) extends the Travel Award Scholarship to current graduate-level students of clinical and mental health. The scholarship is meant to cover the travel expenses of graduate students who plan on attending the annual AMHCHA Conference. The scholarship amount is $500.
Eligibility:
- Any graduate student attending an accredited counseling program is eligible for the scholarship
- Applicants have to be AMHCA student members in good standing
Application:
- Applicants have to complete an online application form and submit it and other supporting materials, which includes an essay, a resume, and a letter of recommendation from a program faculty member
- The application deadline is usually in March each year.
- For more information, visit the AMHCA website.
3. Master’s Degree Scholarship in Psychology and Counseling
The Master’s Degree Scholarship in Psychology and Counseling is a $500 annual scholarship for students pursuing their advanced degrees in psychology or counseling. It is posted on DegreeDirectory.com, a website that provides information and resources for students interested in psychology and counseling degrees.
Eligibility:
- This scholarship is available to students enrolled in a graduate-level psychology or counseling degree program
- Selection is based on a student’s academic history, extracurricular involvements, and job history
- Eligible applicants have to be full-time students during the academic year in which the scholarship is issued to them
Application:
- Applicants have to complete an online application form and submit a personal statement, a resume, and a transcript
- The application deadline is usually in April each year.
- For more information, visit the learn.org website.
4. Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students
Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) is a scholarship program from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) designed for students coming from underprivileged financial situations. The scholarship is meant to increase the diversity and cultural competence of the health workforce and to encourage students to pursue careers in primary health care. The scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funds and the number of eligible students.
Eligibility:
- Applicants have to be enrolled in an eligible health profession or nursing program, which includes counseling and mental health
- Applicants have to be from a disadvantaged background, which is defined by the HRSA as having a low income, being a first-generation college student, or coming from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group
- Applicants have to demonstrate financial need, which is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Application:
- Applicants do not apply directly to the HRSA but through their participating schools
- The application deadline and process vary depending on the school
- For more information, visit the HRSA website.
5. NBCC Foundation Military Scholarship
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation offers the Military Scholarship to support students who are currently serving in the military, are veterans, or are military spouses. The scholarship is meant to increase the number of counselors who are trained to provide counseling services to military personnel, veterans, and their families. The scholarship amount is $8,000.
Eligibility:
- Applicants have to be enrolled in a CACREP-accredited counseling master’s program
- Applicants have to be current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses
- Applicants have to commit to applying for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential before graduation
- Applicants have to commit to providing counseling services to the military population for at least two years after graduation
Application:
- Applicants have to complete an online application form and submit a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation
- The application deadline is usually in October each year.
- For more information, visit the NBCC Foundation website.
6. Jane Goodman Scholarship
The Jane Goodman Scholarship is offered by the Association for Adult Development and Aging (AADA), a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA). It is named after Jane Goodman, who was a pioneer and leader in the field of adult development and aging. The scholarship is for students who are interested in working with older adults and their families. The scholarship amount is $1,000.
Eligibility:
- Applicants have to be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral counseling program
- Applicants have to be AADA student members in good standing
- Applicants have to demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to the field of adult development and aging
Application:
- Applicants have to complete an online application form and submit a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor
- The application deadline is usually in February each year.
- For more information, visit the AADA website.
7. Melanie Merola O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship
The Melanie Merola O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship is offered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). It is named after Melanie Merola O’Donnell, who was a clinical social worker and a suicide prevention advocate. The scholarship is for students who are pursuing a master’s degree in a mental health field, and who have a personal or professional experience with suicide. The scholarship amount is $2,500.
Eligibility:
- Applicants have to be enrolled in a master’s degree program in a mental health field, such as counseling, psychology, social work, or psychiatric nursing
- Applicants have to have a personal or professional experience with suicide, such as being a survivor, a loss survivor, a caregiver, a researcher, or a prevention advocate
- Applicants have to demonstrate academic achievement and potential for leadership in the field of suicide prevention
Application:
- Applicants have to complete an online application form and submit a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and two letters of recommendation
- The application deadline is usually in November each year.
- For more information, visit the AFSP website.
8. ALGBTIC Graduate Student Scholarship
The Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC), a division of the ACA, offers the Graduate Student Scholarship to support students who are committed to providing counseling services to the LGBT community. The scholarship is meant to promote diversity and inclusion in the counseling profession and to foster the development of future leaders in the field.
Eligibility:
- Applicants have to be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral counseling program
- Applicants have to be ALGBTIC student members in good standing
- Applicants have to demonstrate academic excellence and involvement in LGBT-related activities, research, or advocacy
Application:
- Applicants have to complete an online application form and submit a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor
- The application deadline is usually in March each year.
9. ACA Future School Counselors Award
The American Counseling Association (ACA) offers the Future School Counselors Award to recognize outstanding graduate students who are pursuing a career in school counseling. The award is meant to honor the contributions and achievements of school counselors and to encourage the development of future leaders in the field. The award amount is $1,000, plus a complimentary registration to the ACA Annual Conference.
Eligibility:
- Applicants have to be enrolled in a master’s degree program in school counseling
- Applicants have to be ACA student members in good standing
- Applicants have to demonstrate academic excellence and involvement in school counseling-related activities, research, or advocacy
Application:
- Applicants have to complete an online application form and submit a personal statement, a resume, a transcript, and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor
- The application deadline is usually in December each year.
- For more information, visit the ACA website.
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Final Words
A master’s degree in counseling can open up many opportunities and benefits for your career and personal growth. However, it can also be a costly and challenging endeavor. Applying for scholarships can help you reduce the financial burden and stress of pursuing your education. There are many scholarships available for counseling students, and we have introduced you to 9 of them in this blog post. We hope that this information will inspire you to apply for these or other scholarships that suit your interests and goals.