Pursuing a counseling degree can lead to a career that will support and challenge those you work with; however, paying for college to get such a degree can be a daunting task. Here are 25 scholarships for those considering a future in various types of counseling.
1. Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship: For graduate students whose counseling focus centers on working with those managing the stigma of mental illness. The award is $5,000 and candidates must apply through the American Psychological Association (APA).
2. C. Esco Obermann Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Scholarship: Offered through Minnesota State University, this scholarship provides $10,000 for students who wish to pursue counseling in the field of rehabilitation.
3. Arizona School Counselors Association Scholarship: This $1,000 award is offered for graduate students pursuing school counseling as a career. The intended student must be an Arizona resident.
4. Rehabilitation Services Administration Scholars Program: Scholarship for students throughout the country seeking to pursue careers in vocational rehabilitation counseling. The program covers tuition, fees, books, and transportation for those who promise to work in a rehabilitation counseling setting.
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6. Clinton E. Phillips Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who intend to study marriage and family therapy. Award winners receive $4,000 and must demonstrate financial need.
7. Charles M. Bennett Memorial Scholarship Award: A scholarship for a student pursuing counseling studies in Pennsylvania. The student must demonstrate financial need.
8. Master’s Degree Scholarship in Psychology and Counseling: This $500 scholarship is designed to support students who are pursuing master’s degrees in the areas of marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, or community counseling. Eligibility is based on academic excellence and extracurricular activities.
9. Women’s Independence Scholarship Program: This scholarship provides funding for tuition and fees for female applicants who are survivors of domestic abuse. Candidates must be pursuing studies in the field of domestic violence.
10. AAMFT Minority Fellowship Program: This scholarship provides financial support as well as opportunities for training for those pursuing degrees in marriage and family therapy. Preference is given for those who seek to work with underserved populations.
11. Martin-Thacker Scholarship Fund: This award is intended for graduate students pursuing an education in rehabilitation counseling. Recipients must commit to working with developmentally disabled adults after graduation.
12. Guggenheim Foundation: This organization awards up to $20,000 for doctoral students who are preparing their dissertations. Those pursuing subjects related to violence or aggression are encouraged to apply.
13. National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc.: Scholarships awarded to graduate students pursuing work with children, specificially within the areas of counseling and mental health.
14. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Open to students of Hispanic descent who plan to enroll for full- or part-time study. Eligible students must be pursuing their first degree and enrollment in a variety of disciplines, including counseling is available.
15. Counseling.org: Student members of the American Counseling Association may apply for scholarships to pursue advanced education. Eligible students must be members and complete a personal essay.
16. Texas Counseling Association: This scholarship is for graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence in the area of counseling education. Winners are selected through demonstration of commitment to the profession.
17. American School Health Association: This scholarship for $500 is offered to students pursuing studies related to school health, including guidance counseling. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time and have a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
18. Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students: Scholarships from the Health Resources and Services Administration designated for students with disadvantaged financial backgrounds. Students may study counseling or pursue degrees in the mental health field.
19. The Dottie Martin Teachers Scholarship: Funded through the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women, this $500 scholarship is for those studying education, particularly guidance counseling for children and young adults. Eligible students may be either men or women who can state their career goals and demonstrate financial need.
20. Lullelia W. Harrison Scholarships in Counseling: This award ranges between $500 and $1,000 for students who plan to pursue counseling. It is offered through Zeta Phi Beta sorority and is based on applicant background.
21. Ohio School Counselor Association: This $500 award is given to graduate students who are studying to be guidance counselors. Students must be currently enrolled in a program and members of the Ohio School Counselor Association.
22. Graduate Teacher, Counselor, School Administration Loan/Scholarship (GTS): This award reimburses for up to $125 per credit hour of graduate study in the field of advanced education and counseling. Applicants must be current teachers who desire to extend their educations into the field of guidance counseling.
23. Peace Scholarship Fund: The Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) awards up to $10,000 for graduate study for female students with demonstrated need. The organization strives to promote peace and understanding through education.
24. Ed Dunkelblau Scholarship: Given through the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor, this scholarship is for those with a demonstrated interest in using humor through therapy. Candidates must be either minority practitioners or interested in using cultural applications through their work.