Wilma and Donald Haerr have established an endowed scholarship for nontraditional students in social work at Illinois State University who wish to become professional social workers serving children and families.

The decision to major in social work stemmed from Wilma’s childhood. Her parents were divorced and her mother had to work. Much of the time she was left alone or under the watchful eye of a next door neighbor. She strongly feels no child should be left in that position – to be alone and having to fend for themselves! She vowed she would never work when she had children, and she kept that vow.

Because of her experiences Wilma is more sensitive to the needs of others. She strongly feels the assistance of a social worker at such a critical time in her development would have made a difference. In addition, she developed a strong commitment to social work as a result of her experience serving underprivileged families through a program organized by the minister of their Presbyterian Church.

Wilma was 40 years old when she enrolled as a freshman at Illinois State University and she received her Bachelor of Science degree in social work at the age of 44. Hence, she understands the needs of nontraditional students and wants very much to support students who want to serve underprivileged children and families.

Candidate Qualifications

Each candidate for the Wilma and Donald R. Haerr Endowed Scholarship for Nontraditional Students must be or have:

• A student, 25 years of age or older, enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University. (Preference will be given to older students.)

• Declared major in the School of Social Work having completed at least 50 credit hours, or a graduate student accepted in the Masters in Social Work degree program

• Demonstrated strong academic achievement, as evidenced by a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

• Demonstrated financial need

The scholarship dollars must be used for educational expenses. A single scholarship award will be deposited in the recipient's Illinois State account at the beginning of the fall semester to help cover educational expenses. The total amount of the scholarship award is $2000. If more than one student is selected for the award the minimum amount is $1000 for each award.

The recipient of the scholarship will be eligible to apply for the scholarship in a subsequent year, providing that she/he is a continuing student, and has demonstrated good academic achievements by maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

The application deadline is February 15.

To apply by email, type your information into the following Word document and email the .

To apply by mail, print the Haerr Endowed Scholarship Application and mail to Director of Student Services, Illinois State University, School of Social Work, Haerr Endowed Scholarship, Campus Box 4650, Normal, IL 61790-4650.

Other Scholarship Resources

Graduate Tuition Waiver

To apply for a graduate tuition waiver, complete the application form, attach a personal statement (see guidelines below) and turn in completed application to the Director of Student Services, ISU School of Social Work, Campus Box 4650, Normal, IL 61790-4650.

Graduate Tuition Waiver Personal Statement Information to include with your application:

Experience of working with at-risk populations
Involvement with public social service programs
Achievements despite adversities (e.g. social or economic hardship, limited access to education)
Academic accomplishments at the undergraduate level including participation in research projects, honors, or awards
Describe economic need for tuition waiver (may include family size, family income, other educational costs, etc)
Any other information that indicates the applicant's potential for graduate study in social work

Carl A. Scott Book Scholarship

The Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund honors the memory of the late Carl A. Scott, a longtime staff member of CSWE and a pioneer in obtaining scholarships for students from ethnic groups of color. Specifically, the Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund was developed to continue Scott's legacy of promoting equity and social justice in social work. In this regard, it is intended that the book scholarships will be awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to work for equity and social justice in social work.

The awards will be made to students from ethnic groups of color (African American, American Indian, Asian American, Mexican American, and Puerto Rican) who are in their last year of study for a social work degree in a baccalaureate or master's degree program accredited by CSWE. Click here for more information and to download an application.

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Need help?

The Mildred Pratt Student Emergency Assistance Fund offers limited financial assistance to BSW and MSW students who encounter unexpected emergency needs.

Questions?

Contact Social Work

Graduate Scholarship Resources

Wilma and Donald R. Haerr Endowed Scholarship (for nontraditional students)