Undergraduate Awards and Scholarships

The Scholarship/Awards Committee is responsible for announcing, selecting, and disbursing the following scholarships in the School of Social Work.

Each award is announced on student listservs, and in class as appropriate. Application materials are made available in each center as applicable. Recipients are recognized at the graduation ceremony in May. View the 2021 School of Social Work Graduation Ceremony program.

NOTE: Links to application forms will be provided when the application period opens.

School of Social Work Scholarships

Christensen-Klein Scholarship
$1,000 award supports an undergraduate social work student who demonstrates merit and are in good academic standing. For more information, see the Christensen-Klein Scholarship Award form.

Diversity Scholarships for Social Work Students from Fundraiser 2023
The SSW raised funds during National Social Work Month last March, 2023 to directly support our Black, Indigenous and Students of Color. A $2,000 award will be made to social work students currently enrolled (fall 2023) in the undergraduate or graduate program. For more information, see the Diversity Scholarships for Social Work Students from Fundraiser 2023 form.

Diversity Scholarship for Social Work Undergraduate Students
$1,500 award supports an undergraduate social work student who is from one or more an underrepresented group(s); specifically, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders; students with disabilities (who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended), and/or LGBTQ+; currently enrolled in the Social Work program and enrolled in the semester they are awarded the scholarship (spring). For more information, see the Diversity Scholarship for Social Work Undergraduate Students form.

Stephen and Lynnette Anfinson Scholarship Award
A $1,500 award made to an undergraduate social work student who is a resident of Iowa. The criteria for the award are academic success, aptitude for and commitment to the profession as demonstrated in volunteer or work histories, and Iowa residency. For more information, see the Stephen and Lynnette Anfinson Scholarship Award form.

John Craft Excellence in Research Award
Named in memory of John Craft, former Professor of Research at the School of Social Work, supports one undergraduate student and one graduate student annually in conducting research projects on children or families. For more information, see the John Craft Excellence in Research Award form.

The Former Faculty Scholarship
Funded by memorial donations and other gifts made in honor of retiring faculty members and their contributions to the School. Each year a $1,000 award is given to one undergraduate student. This scholarship considers academic excellence but also places an emphasis on supporting future-oriented students who have diverse experiences, cultures, and extracurricular activities. For more information, see the Former Faculty Scholarship form.

Houlihan First Gen Scholarship
A scholarship of $2,500 will be made to an undergraduate social work student whom identifies as a first-generation college student. For more information, see the Houlihan First Gen Scholarship form.

H. Wayne and Donna J. Johnson Award
Named in memory of longtime faculty member and director of the BA Program H. Wayne Johnson, annually provides $1000 of support to a junior or senior undergraduate student who has been admitted to the major. For more information, see the H. Wayne and Donna J. Johnson Award form.

Margaret Bridgen Rostenbach Memorial Scholarship
One $1,000 award made to an undergraduate social work student with particular interest to provide case work. The criteria for the award is academic success and aptitude for and commitment to the profession as demonstrated in volunteer or work experience. For more information, see the Margaret Bridgen Rostenbach Memorial Scholarship form.

Jean H. Winter and Robin Odem Award
One $4,000 annual award made to a junior undergraduate social work student who is a resident of Iowa. The criteria for the award is academic success, aptitude for and commitment to the profession as demonstrated in volunteer or work histories, and Iowa residency. For more information, see the Jean H. Winter and Robin Odem Award form.

Bernadine Franks Scholarship
The Bernadine Franks Scholarship has been established to support a scholarship for a non-traditional, underrepresented student in the University of Iowa School of Social Work. This fund was established after Bernie appeared on the TODAY show and the producers of the show announced its creation. The UI Center for Advancement continues to solicit contributions to this fund so that future students will benefit. Undergraduate social work students who meet all of the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

Are a non-traditional student
From an underrepresented group(s); specifically, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander.
Currently enrolled in a SW program and enrolled in the semester they are awarded the scholarship (spring)

Additional considerations are ability status, first-generation college students, caretaker responsibility, or financial disadvantage, as examples. For more information, see the Bernie Franks Award form.

Other Scholarships and Fellowships

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences supports numerous scholarships through the college's annual scholarship competition. For a list of scholarships available in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and information on applying for scholarships, visit the CLAS Scholarships page.

General UI Undergraduate Scholarship Information
Miscellaneous Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Portal for Undergraduate Students (filtered for "Social Work" )
Scholarships for First-Year Students and Transfer Students

University of Iowa Support

International travel awards are available from the Office for Study Abroad.
Students who are differently-abled are eligible for awards through the Student Disabilities Services Office.
The Office of Student Financial Aid
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Latino Social Workers Association