NASW Foundation National Programs
Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial
MSW Scholarship

Guidelines

Up to 10 scholarships in amounts ranging from $1000-$4000 will be awarded for the 2010-2011 academic year. Gosnell Memorial MSW Scholarships are awarded for one academic year to students who have demonstrated a commitment to working with, or who have a special affinity with American Indian/Alaska Native or Hispanic/Latino Populations in the United States.  Candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to working with public or voluntary nonprofit agencies or with local grassroots groups in the United States are also eligible. 

Students must be an NASW member and have applied to or have been accepted into an accredited MSW program (payment of the award will be contingent on the full admission of the candidate into the program).  In addition, students must have the potential for completing an MSW program and have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above. Students enrolled in a master of social work (MSW) program for more than one year may reapply to the Foundation for part or all of a second year. 

The application deadline for the 2010-2011 awards is March 26, 2010. New in 2010, the NASW Foundation will be using an online process for scholarship, fellowship and award nominations. Instructions and forms for submitting online materials are coming soon. To get started, you may refer to the information below for eligibility criteria and application requirements.

Applications must be submitted online. Recipients will be contacted after June 1st. All others will be notified by e-mail after July 1st.


Application Requirements

1. NASW member in good standing.  Awardee must remain a member in good standing throughout the award period.  If candidate is not yet eligible for membership, but will be, note this on the application. If selected, award is contingent upon full membership once eligible.  Membership eligibility inquiries may be directed to membership@naswdc.org or 202-408-8600, ext. 476.

2. Application form.

3. Biographical essay (two typed, double-spaced pages). Essay must address career goals, interests, and work, volunteer, and school/field experience relevant to the guidelines of the award.

4. Optional - Statement of merit and need for the award—students are encouraged to submit documentation demonstrating financial need.

5. Two letters of support from professional references.  Letters can be written by a candidate's professors; individuals or leaders of groups with whom the candidate has worked in a helping capacity; an employer/supervisor; and so on.  Character references or references from clients or family members will not be accepted.

6. Official copy of a transcript from the most recent academic work (undergraduate or graduate).

7. If the applicant is not currently enrolled in an accredited MSW program, provide the letter of acceptance from the program, or a copy of the application to an accredited MSW program, with a letter from the college/university verifying application has been received.

8. Signed release of information.

9. Provide a letter from the candidates academic advisor- for candidates applying for continued funding through the Gosnell Scholarship fund only.

10. Application checklist

Supporting materials may be mailed to:

NASW Foundation
Executive Office
Attn: Fellowship/Scholarship Awards
750 First Street, NE, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20002-4241

Questions should be directed to:

Scholarships & Awards Hotline: (202) 408-8600 EXT. 504
E-mail:  naswfoundation@naswdc.org