Undergraduate Scholarship Resources
*To apply, student must have taken at least one semester of Social Work major courses.
Mildred Pratt Emergency Assistance Fund
Patty Berndt Scholarship (for undergraduate students)
The Patty Berndt Scholarship is offered to undergraduate social work students who establish financial need. Patricia (Patty) Berndt graduated from Illinois State University as a non-traditional student in 1998 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. She went on to the University of Illinois and received a Master of Social Work in 1999. She became a licensed Social Worker in 2000. In 2001, she returned to her alma mater, Illinois State University, as an instructor in the School of Social Work and served as the Director of Student Services. This included advisement to undergraduate and graduate students.
Patty Berndt was a woman of great heart. Growing up Patty worked with her parents as missionaries in Guatemala and had a deep desire to make a difference in people's lives. It was this deep desire that inspired her career and the establishment of this scholarship.
Patty touched so many lives. She was kind and generous with her time, love and spirit. Her positive outlook on life was a model for students and colleagues who were blessed to know her and be loved by her. Patty's ability to see the positive potential in every person inspired students to believe in themselves, set high goals, and achieve their dreams. Patty made our world a better place by having a transformative influence on all who knew her. Patty's family and friends have established this scholarship to continue her legacy of transforming the lives of the students who will benefit from this award.
Click on the following link for the Patty Berndt scholarship application for qualifications and requirements. Deadline is February 15.
Wilma and Donald R. Haerr Endowed Scholarship (for nontraditional students)
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 through FAFS filing.
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.
Click on the following link for the Wilma and Donald R. Haerr Endowed Scholarship email the or mail to address on the form.
Dr. Mark Moran Endowed Scholarship for BSW Students
Mrs. Dorothy M. Moran established The Mark R. Moran Endowed Scholarship for BSW students in July 2011 in memory of her husband, Dr. Mark R. Moran, who died on July 21, 2010, in Bowling Green, Ohio. Dr. Moran received his bachelor’s degree from Millikin University, master’s degree from Indiana State University, and his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. He was associate professor at Illinois State University teaching in its undergraduate Social Work program from 1971 until retiring in 1981.
In addition to his years on the ISU faculty, Dr. Moran worked in the criminal justice system. He worked for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons at correctional institutions in Kansas, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Kentucky, and subsequently held associate superintend and warden positions in the Minnesota Corrections Systems. Dr. Moran was not only a model teacher in the classroom, he was a role-model as a social worker. He brought such a vast wealth of experience to teaching through his years as a practitioner. His work with people in the correctional system was an example to our students of our Code of Ethics and professional values that all people deserve dignity and hope for a better future.
Mrs. Dorothy M. Moran established this endowed scholarship fund as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Mark R. Moran and his strong commitment to the professional development of students majoring in Social Work at Illinois State University.
Each candidate for the Mark Moran Endowed Scholarship in Social Work must be or have:
- Accepted for enrollment or enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University.
- Completed a minimum of 60 hours of credit as an undergraduate student majoring in Social Work.
- Demonstrated academic achievement, as evidenced by an accumulative GPA in the Social Work major of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or an accumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in academic coursework at their previous institution as a transfer student.
- Demonstrated financial need through FAFS filing.
The scholarship dollars must be used for educational expenses. A single scholarship award will be deposited in the recipient’s ISU account at the beginning of the fall semester to help cover educational expenses.
Scholarship Qualifications
As this scholarship is need based, you must have a FAFSA form on record with the Financial Aid office. The scholarship committee will determine the recipient based on merit (GPA), need as determined by Financial Aid, and desire to be a social worker. Write a two page essay that states your personal passion and mission and how you will serve the needs of challenged people through a career in Social Work. Also, include why you need the scholarship and how it would make a difference in your education.
Click on the following link for the Dr. Mark Moran Endowed Scholarship for BSW Students form and please attach your essay to the form and send to the School of Social Work Office in Rachel Cooper.
Other Scholarship Resources
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Other Scholarship links:
- Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program
- Merit Recognition Scholarship (MRS) Program
- General Assembly Scholarship
- MIA/POW Scholarship
- Allied Health Care Professional Scholarship Program
- Illinois Dollars for Scholars®
Many other scholarships are available, as well. The Internet is a great resource for scholarship information and applications. The list below offers some places to start. But remember to watch out for financial aid scams.
Need help?
The Mildred Pratt Student Emergency Assistance Fund offers limited financial assistance to BSW and MSW students who encounter unexpected emergency needs.
