Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial MSW Scholarship

The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship is awarded to master's degree candidates in social work who have demonstrated a commitment to working with, or who have 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.

About The Scholarship And Its Namesake

Consuelo W. Gosnell was a champion of civil and human rights and worked diligently to improve conditions for critically under served American Indians and Latinos in the Southwest.  She practiced for many years in federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Consuelo W. Gosnell Scholarship Guidelines

The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship is awarded based on the projected annual earnings to the fund and contributions. A panel reviews applicants and selects the award recipient. Up to 10 scholarships of up to $4,000 each will be awarded. In 2023-2024, 10 scholarships in the amount of $4,000 each were awarded.  

To apply, students must be a member of NASW and have applied to, or have been accepted into, an accredited MSW program (payment of the award will be contingent on the full admission of the candidate into the program).  In addition, students must have the potential for completing an MSW program and have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above. 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.

Application Requirements For The Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship

• NASW membership, in good standing, is a mandatory requirement to receive an NASW Foundation Scholarship Award. Awardees must maintain active membership throughout the award period.
• Applicants who are current members in good standing can apply for a scholarship using their current membership ID number.
• To apply for NASW membership visit the NASW website (Online Join) or download and complete NASW‘s “Membership Application" found at "Online Join." New members will receive email confirmation of membership, which will include a member ID and password.  Applicants awaiting acceptance into a CSWE-accredited program must include, with the membership form, their application to the MSW program with a letter from the college/university verifying the application has been received
• Non-members interested in applying can join NASW:  1) if they have a social work degree (BSW/MSW) or are matriculating in a CSWE-accredited social work program; or 2) are enrolled in or awaiting acceptance into a CSWE-accredited program.
• Applicants either must be or plan to be enrolled in a social work degree program to maintain eligibility.  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 form.
• Biographical essay (two typed, double-spaced pages). Essay must address career goals, interests, and work, volunteer, and school/field experience relevant to the guidelines of the award.
• Statement of merit and financial need for the award (up to one page, why is financial assistance needed).
• Two letters of support from professional references (you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of two professional references). Letters can be written by a candidate's professors; individuals or leaders of groups with whom the candidate has worked in a helping capacity; an employer/supervisor; and so on.  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 copy of a transcript from the most recent academic work (undergraduate or graduate). Transcript may opened to make photocopies. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.  
• Signed release of information.