Online Resources & Scholarships for Human Services Students
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingHealthcare Admin
HealthcareNursingAdv NursingWhether you need help paying next semester’s tuition, understanding advanced course concepts, or finding student networking opportunities, this guide will connect you to the right academic and professional resources to support your path to a successful human services career.
Jump To Section
Earning your degree in human services can open the door to a wide variety of career options in community and social service occupations — from entry-level work as a human services or social services assistant to more advanced roles like social worker and counselor.
This guide will introduce you to a number of great scholarship opportunities available to human services students. We’ve included information and access to lots of valuable academic and career resources as well.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Scholarships and Grants for Human Services Students
Tuition and other college expenses can add up quickly. The good news is that there are many types of financial aid out there to help pay for those expenses.
Scholarships and grants are by far the most valuable of these options, as they do not have to be paid back. So, to get you started on your financial aid search, here’s a look at some of the best scholarship and grant opportunities currently available to human services students.
School-based Scholarships in Human Services
Some schools go the extra mile by providing scholarships directly to their students, oftentimes exclusively for those in particular majors or fields of study. As a result, these scholarships are often less competitive since they’re only available to a limited number of potential candidates.
Additionally, award amounts for these school-based scholarships are often notably generous.
We’ve profiled below two schools featuring outstanding scholarship opportunities exclusively for their human services students. To see if your school offers such opportunities, talk to the financial aid office or director of the human services department, or do a quick search on the school’s financial aid website.
Human Services Scholarship Spotlight: East Central University
The Department of Professional Programs in Human Services at ECU offers several scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in their degree and certificate programs related to human services. The goal is to ensure that there is something for everyone to apply to, no matter what stage of academic studies they’re in.
To learn more school-based humans services scholarships at ECU, including the one highlighted below, visit ECU’s Human Services Scholarship website.
Richard E. Baumgartner Memorial Scholarship
Varies (typically around $1,000)
August
Eligibility
Available to undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least 12 hours completed at ECU. Graduate students with at least nine hours completed, a 3.0 or higher GPA, and who show promise in the human services profession are also eligible.
How to Apply
Download the application form, fill it out, and submit it to the Chair of the Department of Human Resources. Submittals include current unofficial transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a letter explaining why the applicant should be considered for the award.
Human Services Scholarship Spotlight: Metropolitan State University of Denver
Numerous scholarships are offered specifically to human services students at the University of Denver. They include awards for students pursuing the general HS degree, as well as those in specialized programs (like addiction studies) and planning to work with at-risk youth upon graduation.
To learn more, visit the Department of Human Services and Counseling Scholarships & Stipends webpage.
John Donohue Endowed Scholarship
$500 – $1,500
March
Eligibility
Available to full-time students pursuing a Human Services degree with an emphasis in Addiction Studies. Must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
Submit the general scholarship application via the link on the scholarships website.
National and Regional Human Services Scholarships
Japanese American Citizens League (JACL)
Varies (average around $3,000)
April
Eligibility
Applicant must be an undergraduate student and member of the JACL (open to individuals of all ethnic backgrounds.) Preference is given to applicants residing in the Eastern District Council region and/or pursuing public or social service interests.
How to Apply
Obtain an application from the JACL headquarters or online. Completed applications must be mailed in.
Submittals include official transcripts, financial information, resume or activities list, letters of recommendation, and personal statement/essay.
Pilot International
Up to $2,000
March
Eligibility
Open to students pursuing careers working with youth and young adults in leadership and development, helping people and encouraging brain health and safety and health, or caring for families during times of need.
Applicant must be reentering the job market, beginning a “second career,” or seeking to improve their professional skills for their current occupation.
How to Apply
Apply via the online application accessed on the scholarship webpage. Application materials include transcripts with current GPA, current resume or CV, two letters of recommendation, and financial need and career goals essays.
Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin
Varies
February
Eligibility
Open to graduating high school seniors from the D.C. Everest or Wausau school districts with plans to attend a University of Wisconsin college to pursue a degree in a health or human services field.
How to Apply
Apply online via the application link on the scholarship website. Materials submitted include most recent transcript, two letters of reference, and list of extracurricular activities.
Minnesota Social Service Association (MSSA)
$2,000
March
Eligibility
Available to MSSA members enrolled (and with at least one semester left) in a health or human services-related undergraduate program at a nonprofit college or university. Preference is given to applicants planning to work in the midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota or North Dakota.)
How to Apply
Applications are available for completion online on the MSSA website. Submittals include two letters of reference and responses to two to three essay questions.
National Organizations for Human Services (NOHS)
$1,500
August
Eligibility
This award goes to a student who has made a notable contribution to the human services field. Applicants must be student members of the NOHS.
How to Apply
Apply via the application link on the award webpage. Applicant must be nominated by an individual in a professional capacity that can attest to the applicant’s academic and professional integrity.
John Randolph Foundation
$1,000
March
Eligibility
Applicant must be a resident of the John Randolph Foundation’s Service Area, possess a 3.0 or higher GPA, and pursuing a degree in the healthcare field. Priority is given to graduates of Hopewell and Petersburg High Schools.
How to Apply
Create an online account on the John Randolph Foundation website to fill out and submit the application.
Stephanie Nicole Ross Foundation, Inc. (SNRF)
$1,500
April
Eligibility
Applicant must be in graduate school in Florida and studying full-time in a field related to psychology or behavioral science (including human services) with a focus on neurological conditions.
How to Apply
Submit application online via the Stephanie Nicole Ross Foundation Scholarship Portal. Submittals include academic records, current resume or CV, and application essay.
Turco Legal
$1,000
August
Eligibility
Intended for students enrolled in either law school or a post-secondary program in a field that allows them to help victims of domestic violence. Must have experience working with or advocating for domestic violence survivors.
How to Apply
Apply via the application form located on the scholarship website.
5 Keys to Winning Your Human Services Scholarship
When it comes to paying for college, everyone’s looking for free funding. And because scholarships provide free money for college educations, there’s lots of competition for them.
That’s why it’s critical that you submit the very best scholarship application possible. Here are five valuable tips to help you do just that:
Key #1: Volunteer work matters.
Scholarship committees like to give awards to candidates that actively support their communities. Having some volunteer experience you can point to is a great way to demonstrate that support.
Key #2: Get strong letters of recommendation.
Consider your letter writers carefully. Strong letters of recommendation from highly-respected individuals in the profession will make the right impression on selection committees.
Key #3: Take your time on writing your personal statement or essay.
Your personal statement or application essay is where you can really set yourself apart from the competition. So, take the time and make the effort to provide the very best statement/essay you can.
Key #4: Use several sets of eyes to double-check.
When scholarships are highly competitive, it takes just one small mistake to move your application to the bottom of the pile. Turn to friends and family to check over your application and submitted materials to help ensure you’ve covered all the bases.
Key #5: Never miss a deadline.
Following all of the above tips means nothing if you don’t get your scholarship application in on time. So, make sure you mark down the application deadline ASAP, and give yourself plenty of time to gather up all required submittal materials.
What to Do If You Still Need Help Paying for Your Human Services Degree
Scholarships and grants can help a great deal in cutting down on your education costs. But if you’re like most students, they won’t be enough.
Fortunately, there are lots of other financial aid resources out there for qualifying human services students, including:
- Student loans and loan forgiveness programs
- Tuition discount, deferment, and installment plans
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
- Work study opportunities
- Assistantships and fellowships (mostly for grad students)
- VA benefits (for military vets)
Locating these resources will take some time and effort, but the results can really be worth it.
The best way to start your funding search is by contacting your school’s financial aid office. They’ll be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information on what’s available.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Academic and Professional Support Resources for Human Services Students
From your school’s student support center to nonprofit professional organizations, finding and taking advantage of quality human services resources can go a long way to helping ensure your education and career success. Below are descriptions and links to many of those services.
Human Services Student Support Centers and Services
Whether you’re just starting your human services degree, a graduating student looking for internship opportunities, or simply looking for help with online courses or how to pay for school, the student support center at your college can help.
Every school has a general student support center, but some schools also feature student support in individual departments (like human services or social work.) Here’s an example of a school offering exceptional support services to their social work students:
Columbia University
The Columbia School of Social Work provides ten individual offices that are ready to help students achieve their educational goals. These offices include:
- Academic Affairs
- Advising
- Career & Leadership Management
- Computing & Instructional Technology
- Financial Aid
- Practicum Learning
- Social Work Library
- Student Affairs
- Student Life
- Writing Center
To learn more, visit the Student Support Services at the Columbia School of Social Work website.
Resources for Online Human Services Students
How to Prepare for Your Online Degree Program
Excellent article from U.S. News & World Report featuring expert advice on how to get ready to attend college online.
Online Human Services Degrees: Finding the Right Program
In this EduMed guide, prospective students can explore schools offering the best online human services degree programs, compare all of the different types of degrees available, and find other valuable information.
Tips for Taking Online Classes: 8 Strategies for Success
This article from Northwestern University offers lots of good advice to help students achieve success while avoiding the pitfalls of online learning.
Transitioning to Online School: A Guide for Healthcare Students
Another great EduMed guide, this one offering information and advice to healthcare students for successfully navigating the world of online postsecondary education.
Student Organizations and Professional Associations
American Counseling Association
Human services students interested in working in counseling can look into the ACA’s continuing education, public policy, career assistance, and other resources.
American Public Human Services Association
The APHSA helps students find human services groups (like child welfare and government assistance programs) that are specific to their career path or interest.
National Association of Social Workers
The NASW is the largest organization of professional social workers in the world. Resources are available for social workers and other human services professionals working in areas that relate to social work.
National Council on Family Relations
Professional association focused on strengthening families. Resources include discussion groups, a professional journal, conferences, CFLE certification, and more.
National Organization for Human Services
The NOHS offers conferences, an honor society, publications of note, and scholarships for members, and more. Members join regional NOHS branches.
Online Communities, Networking Sites, and Other Social Groups
Website bringing nonprofit and public agencies and human services professionals in Massachusetts together to explore a variety of topics, attend events, network, and more.
Subreddit offering community and support for anyone working, studying or otherwise interested in the human services profession.
Human Services Practitioners (LinkedIn)
LinkedIn group created to provide Human Services-Board Certified Practitioners and other human services professionals a forum to encourage participation in the growth of the human services field, particularly as it relates to the development of state registration and licensing regulations.
Human Services Network of Colorado
Many states have networks (including this one) that bring together human services professionals for discussion, networking, and keeping up to date on state and local changes in the profession.
Tau Upsilon Alpha National Human Services Honor Society Facebook Group
This group allows honor society members to network, ask questions about points of human services work, and organize events with others across the nation.
Articles and Videos
10 Qualities of Great Community Leaders
This article offers a list of ten qualities needed to succeed as an effective human services professional and community leader.
Compassion Fatigue and Self-care Resources for Crisis Counselors
This excellent article from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides valuable advice and access to additional resources to aid counselors in dealing with the issues and challenges that come with their professional lives.
YouTube channel featuring 40 CareerOneStop videos describing careers you can pursue with a human services education.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Federal government website providing a strong overview of professional opportunities and career options for human services degree holders.
Curious about why you might want to become a human services professional? This article from Wake Forest University makes a solid case for the value of a degree and career in the human services field.
