Torchbearer Scholarship Program

Guidelines

The NASW-AL Torchbearer Scholarship is awarded to students in a CSWE accredited Social Work degree program in Alabama who have demonstrated leadership, commitment to the field of Social Work, and the propensity to “bear the torch” to continue the legacy of our Alabama Social Work Pioneers.

The intent of this scholarship is to honor the contributions and legacy of our Alabama Social Work Pioneers and to make it easier for students to participate in experiential learning and career exploration, as well as supporting preparation for work in the field.

Available Scholarships:

The Alabama Chapter of NASW will award two (2) scholarships a year, one to a BSW student and one to an MSW student. The amount of the scholarship will be $500.00. The scholarship recipients will attend Advocacy Day and be recognized at the NASW-AL Conference Reception.

Program Guidelines & Priorities:

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be in a CSWE accredited BSW or MSW program within the state of Alabama. Students applying for the BSW scholarship must have declared Social Work as a major and completed 9 credit hours in Social Work. Students who are applying for the MSW scholarship may apply once they have been accepted into an MSW program or while enrolled in the MSW program. NASW membership is required for the application.

How to Apply:

The scholarship will be awarded to students in Spring 2017. Therefore, please identify which program you will be in for that semester (ex: BSW senior; 1st year MSW, etc.) If you are graduating in Fall 2016, you will not be eligible for the award.

BSW applicants must have a 3.0 overall & 3.25 Major GPA

MSW applicants must have a 3.5 overall GPA

The following items must be submitted in order to be considered for the scholarship:

•Scholarship application

•Proof of acceptance into BSW or MSW program*This can be a letter from the chair/coordinator of the program

•Copy of Transcript (Unofficial copies accepted)

•Scholarship Essay

•Two Letters of Recommendation (professor, employer, field instructor, non-relative)

Mail one copy of a completed application package to:NASW-AL Chapter

ATTN: Torchbearer Scholarship Committee

P.O. Box 231366

Montgomery, AL 36123

Application deadline: October 14, 2016

The applications will be reviewed and recipients selected by a committee consisting of volunteers from across the state. The scholarship award winner will be not in January 2017.

Applications may be downloaded from the NASW-AL Chapter website at

Please submit any questions to:

TORCHBEARER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Which scholarship are you applying for? (Check One) / ______BSW / ______MSW
Date of Application:
Last Name: / First Name:
Mailing Address
Street:
City: / State: / Zip:
Daytime Telephone Number: ( / )
Email Address:
Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA): ______/ Major GPA: ______(On 4.0 scale)
Attach copy of your unofficial transcript.
College/University:
Are you currently an NASW member? _____ Yes / Member Number: ______
_____No
Status in Social Work Program: / Accepted BSW program: / _____
Number of Social Work hours completed ______
Accepted in MSW program: _____ / Advanced Standing Program: _____

Expected Date of Graduation (Month/Year):______

Involvement in Social Work

Please list any campus, community, or professional activities or, organizations, with which you have been involved. Indicate offices held memberships, papers presented or professional meetings attended, etc.(Please attach an additional sheet, if needed.)

On a separate sheet please write an essay following the guidelines listed below.

“How has your experience helped you to become a torchbearer?”

In your essay, discuss how your interest in Social Work developed and describe your experience in the field- such as volunteer work or internship and what you gained from this involvement?

Essays must be typed in 12 point, Times New Roman, double spaced.

Applicants must write a minimum of 3 pages (750 words).

STATEMENT OF ACCURACY FOR STUDENTS

I hereby affirm that all the above stated information provided by me is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I also consent that if chosen as a scholarship winner my picture may be taken and used to promote the NASW-AL scholarship program. (Winner may waive photo due to unusual or compelling circumstances.)

I hereby understand I will not submit this application without all required attachments and supporting information. Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet eligibility criteria will not be considered for this scholarship.

Signature of applicant: ______Date: ______

Printed Name: ______

Checklist

___ Application

___ Essay

___ School Transcript

___ Two Letters of Recommendation

Point of contact at University who will be the official recipient of the scholarship (include name, address, phone number and email address):

Name: ______

Address: ______

Phone Number: ______

Email Address: ______

MAIL COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE TO NASW-AL AT:

NASW-AL Chapter

ATTN: Torchbearer Scholarship Committee

P.O. Box 231366

Montgomery, AL 36123

REMINDER:

The deadline for this application to be received by the office is:

October 14, 2016, 4:00 p.m.NO EXCEPTIONS!