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 2008-2009 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. 

Applications for the 2008-2009 fellowship and scholarship awards will be accepted January 7 - March 14, 2008. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on March 14th. Late applications will not be accepted. The package should consist of the original documents and four copies of the complete application package. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Appliction materials will not be returned.

Application Requirements

Application materials MUST be submitted in the following order:

1. NASW member in good standing.  Please enclose a copy of your current NASW membership card. 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.

   Application form.

   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.

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

3. Two letters of support from professional references.  Letters must be included with the application and 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.

4. Official copy of a transcript from the most recent academic work (undergraduate or graduate). Transcript may be opened to make photocopies.

5. 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.

6. Signed release of information.

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

8. Application Checklist

Complete application packages should be mailed to:

NASW Foundation
Executive Office
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