Scholarships

Computer monitor displaying a scholarship award

The Social Work Program has quite a few opportunities for students
to apply for scholarships. All scholarship applications should
go through Scholarship Retriever once the opportunity is open for new
applications.

Gladys Salpeter Kraft Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in Social Work
who is interested in pursuing a career in aging. Students who will be
seniors entering their field placement in the upcoming fall semester
are eligible to apply. Eligible students must plan to be in a field
placement in an agency or program that serves older adults and their
families, be in good academic standing, and demonstrate financial
need.

The Gladys Salpeter Kraft Endowed Scholarship was established in
2026 by Dr. Betsy Vourlekis, Miriam Tillman, and Judith Kraft, to
commemorate the life and work of Gladys Salpeter Kraft, who maintained
an unstinting commitment to working with older individuals and their
families.


Apply for the Gladys Salpeter Kraft Endowed Scholarship

Rose Careri Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship supports a student majoring in social work who
transferred from a participating community college to UMBC–Shady Grove
or UMBC as part of the Social Work in Action (SWIA) Program — a
structured pathway program that some students participated in during
high school or community college. Students who completed the SWIA
Program are eligible to apply.

The Rose Careri Endowed Scholarship was established by Dr. Nancy
and Mr. Eric Kusmaul in memory of Dr. Kusmaul’s grandmother.


Apply for the Rose Careri Endowed Scholarship

Rose Grabania Tice Scholarship

The Rose Grabania Tice Scholarship is open to students majoring in
social work at the Universities at Shady Grove Campus who meet the
following criteria:

  • Entering their field placement program in the fall semester
  • Interested in practice or policy related to working with women
    or children

Preference will be given to first-generation students.


Apply for the Rose Grabania Tice Endowed Scholarship

Susan Bernstein–Charlotte W. Newcombe Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is open to all students who are committed to the
support and advancement of individuals who are returning to college.
Special consideration will be given to individuals whose pursuit of
their first bachelor’s degree was interrupted or complicated by
significant and challenging life circumstances.


Apply for the Susan Bernstein–Charlotte W. Newcombe Memorial
Scholarship

Tina D’Angelo Memorial Scholarship

This $1,500 award provides scholarships to returning students in
the School of Social Work. The scholarship is merit-based, with
preference given to first-generation college students who are
interested in social work fields in aging or health.


Apply for the Tina D’Angelo Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Shirley Bembry Scholarship

Memories, stories, and tributes keep our friends and family members
in our minds and hearts. This is certainly the case for Shirley Bembry
whose remarkable life is remembered and honored by the Baccalaureate
Social Work Program. A committee will select a social work student as
the recipient of the Shirley Bembry Scholarship. The award recalls
Shirley’s commitment to child welfare and supports students who will
carry on her advocacy work on behalf of children.

This scholarship is open to all students with an interest in
pursuing a career in child welfare. To apply, students must have a 2.5
GPA, junior standing, and be eligible to go into their field placement
in the next academic year.


Apply for the Shirley Bembry Endowed Scholarship Fund

Gust W. Mitchell Scholarship

This scholarship is available to social work majors who have met
financial challenges through employment on or off campus while
attending UMBC. To apply, students must have a 3.0 GPA, junior
standing, and be eligible to enroll in their field placement in the
next academic year.


Apply for the Gust W. Mitchell Endowed Scholarship Fund

Tejal Khajuria Memorial Scholarship

This award is available to a UMBC social work student who is
entering field placement in the fall and pursuing a career working
with people who are vulnerable due to poverty, such as individuals
experiencing homelessness.


Apply for the Tejal Khajuria Memorial Scholarship

Vesta Community Mental Health Scholarship

This scholarship is available to social work majors interested in
pursuing a social work career in behavioral health. Students must be
entering their field placement in the fall semester, be placed in a
social work agency in the behavioral health area, and maintain a
cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.

Applications are submitted through different portals depending on
your campus: