Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship: Empowering Future Social Workers
The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship supports master's degree candidates in social work who demonstrate a commitment to serving American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino populations. It also considers candidates committed to working with public or voluntary nonprofit agencies or local grassroots groups in the United States.
About Consuelo W. Gosnell
Consuelo W. Gosnell was a champion of civil and human rights, dedicating her life to improving conditions for underserved American Indians and Latinos in the Southwest. Her work included roles within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The scholarship honors her legacy by supporting future social workers who share her passion for social justice and community empowerment.
Scholarship Details
The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship is awarded based on projected annual earnings and contributions to the fund. A review panel selects the recipients. Up to 10 scholarships of up to $4,000 each are awarded. In 2023-2024, 10 scholarships in the amount of $4,000 each were awarded.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
- Have applied to or been accepted into an accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Payment of the award is contingent on full admission to the program.
- Demonstrate the potential for completing an MSW program.
- Maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above.
- Demonstrate a commitment to working with, or a special affinity with, American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino populations. 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 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.
Read also: Creating a Scholarship Fund
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for the Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship:
- NASW Membership: Applicants must be NASW members in good standing to receive an NASW Foundation Scholarship Award. Non-members interested in applying can join NASW if they have a social work degree (BSW/MSW) or are matriculating in a CSWE-accredited social work program, or are enrolled in or awaiting acceptance into a CSWE-accredited program.
- Application Form: A completed application form is required.
- Biographical Essay: A two-page, double-spaced biographical essay is required.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required. Letters can be written by a candidate's professors; individuals or leaders of groups with whom the candidate has worked in a helping capacity; or an employer/supervisor. Character references or references from clients or family members will not be accepted. If the applicant is applying for renewed funding from the NASW Foundation, one of the two references must be obtained from the applicant’s academic advisor.
- Official Transcript: An official copy of a transcript from the most recent academic work (undergraduate or graduate) is required. The transcript may be opened to make photocopies. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.
Applicants either must be or plan to be enrolled in a social work degree program to maintain eligibility. The award is disbursed in two installments, at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Applicants graduating before the 1st installment are not eligible.
Application Timeline
MSW Scholarship Applications are typically accepted between January and March. Based on previous application cycles, this scholarship is expected to reopen in January 2026.
Examples of Past Scholars
The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship has supported numerous outstanding social work students, including:
- Leidy Barrientos Jiménez: A graduate of Aurora University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice, Leidy is a first-generation college student and immigrant from Mexico. She is pursuing her MSW at Loyola University Chicago (LUC) and plans to work with immigrants or children of immigrants who have experienced sexual abuse. She aspires to earn a doctoral degree in public policy and address injustices faced by people of color in the United States.
- Renee Booth: Renee received her BSW from The College of St. Scholastica and is now in the MSW clinical track at the same institution. She interns with St. Louis County Children and Families Services.
- Lisette Garcia: A Chicago native with strong ties to her Hispanic community, Lisette is pursuing her MSW at the University of Chicago's Crown Family School of Social Work Policy, and Practice. She aims to provide equitable access to vital services for underserved Hispanic/Latino communities in Chicago.
- Dulce Garcia Hernandez: Born in Mexico City, Dulce earned her BA in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. She is a mental health professional with the Boys and Girls Clubs, running programs, providing counseling, and assisting families. She hopes to expand the Clubs' outreach.
- Monica Martinez: From Houston, Monica is a clinical MSW candidate at the University of Houston, expected to graduate in May 2025. She earned a BA in Sociology and a minor in Human Resource Development from UH. Monica works at The Menninger Clinic and is a Senior Fellow with the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Galveston-Houston.
- Ana K. Olivera: A two-time graduate of Rutgers University-Newark, Ana obtained a BA in public and nonprofit administration and a MA in public administration. As a program coordinator for The Washington Center, she inspires students to pursue their professional goals.
- Rolando Perez: A first-generation college student from Orange County, California, Rolando graduated from Pitzer College with degrees in Sociology and Spanish. He began his social work career with Seneca Family of Agencies' Todo Por Mi Familia Program, supporting families separated at the US-Mexico border. He is pursuing his MSW at the Columbia School of Social Work.
- Roxy Sprowl: A citizen of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, Roxy graduated from Michigan State University with a BSW. She works in the Native American Affairs and Race Equity Office at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’s Children’s Services Administration.
- Jordana Suriel: A Dominican-American and first-generation college graduate, Jordana is passionate about youth advocacy, equity in education, and working with systems-impacted individuals and immigrants.
- Jennifer Ugarte: A second-generation Mexican American, Jennifer graduated from Amherst College with a BA in psychology. She works as a direct services program coordinator at a nonprofit, facilitating groups for girl-identified youth.
Other Social Work Scholarships
In addition to the Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship, several other scholarships and bursaries are available for MSW students across the USA:
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- Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund: Provides financial support for students active in progressive movements for social and economic justice. Amount: $15,000. Deadline: April 1st, 2026.
- Carl A. Scott Book Scholarship: Awards two $500 book scholarships to one BSW and one MSW student committed to promoting equity and justice. Deadline: March 16, 2025.
- Verne LaMarr Lyons Scholarship: Awarded to MSW candidates with an interest in health/mental health practice and a commitment to working in African American communities. Deadline: MSW Scholarship Applications accepted between January - March.
- Lawanna Renee Barron Scholarship Endowment Fund: Supports BSW or MSW students with demonstrated interest or experience working in rural settings and/or health and mental health in African American communities. Amount: $1000. Deadline: MSW Scholarship Applications accepted between January - March.
- CSWE Minority Fellowship Program (MFP): Supports doctoral students in social work who aim to provide leadership in practice, research, teaching, and policy serving underrepresented and underserved persons with or at risk for mental health and/or substance abuse disorders. Deadline: MSW Scholarship Applications have historically been accepted between January - March.
- Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care: Supports high school and undergraduate students pursuing careers in healthcare, social work, government, education, or related fields. Amount: $1000. Deadline: April 15th 2026.
- 2K Annual Drug Rehab USA - Mental Health Scholarship: Supports aspiring mental health professionals. Amount: $2000. Deadline: December 1st, 2026.
- State NASW Chapter Scholarships: Many NASW chapters offer their own scholarship/bursary programs for MSW students.
- Institute for Oral Health Scholarship Program: Open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a dental hygiene or dental program. Deadline: February 28, 2026.
- Miller-Erb Nursing Scholarship: Open to full-time undergraduate students who are classified sophomores or juniors. Deadline: March 13, 2026.
- UNCF STEM Scholars Program: Open to high school seniors who identify as African-American, Hispanic American, Asian Pacific Islander American, American Indian or Alaskan Native. Deadline: April 15, 2026.
Additionally, several "no-essay" scholarships are available, such as the "Be Bold" Scholarship and the Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship.
General Advice for Scholarship Applications
When applying for scholarships, consider the following tips:
- Tailor your essay: Many scholarship essays ask about your career aspirations, goals, and commitment to your community and social justice.
- Reuse your personal statement: Adapt your MSW application personal statement for scholarship applications, as there is often significant overlap in the required themes.
- Highlight your experiences: Showcase your commitment to social work through examples of your work, volunteer experiences, and academic achievements.
Read also: Affording LMU: A Guide
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