SCHOOL COUNSELING SCHOLARSHIPS

If you're passionate about working with youth but don't wish to become a teacher, then school counseling scholarships may be perfect for you.

School counseling degree programs are often offered at the master's degree level to provide the theoretical knowledge and practical training needed to help K-12 students overcome intellectual, behavioral, emotional, or social problems. School counselors work with preschool children up to college freshmen to make certain that students have the skills necessary for success in both academia and their vocation.

Resource: Top 10 Cheap Online Master's in Educational Counseling and School Counseling Degree Programs

Due to rising student enrollments across the United States, employment of school counselors is predicted to grow slightly faster than average at 12 percent, thus creating 31,200 new jobs before 2022.

Below we've highlighted 20 of the best scholarships available for aspiring school counselors with a calling to help youth achieve personal growth.

1. American School Health Association Scholarships

Deadline: April 6th

Annually, the American School Health Association (ASHA) offers four $500 scholarships as financial assistance to college students who are focusing their studies in health education, school counseling, guidance counseling, school nursing, or related school health fields. To qualify, candidates must be pursuing a career within the K-12 school community, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, have attained at least junior-level standing, attend an accredited U.S. institution, and have unmet financial need. Recipients will also be given a free three-year student membership and be invited to the Annual School Health Conference.

Contact

American School Health Association Scholarships
7263 State Route 43
P.O. Box 708
Kent, OH 44240
(330) 678-1601

Scholarship Link

2. ASCA Foundation Scholarship Program

Deadline: October 14th

Through the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Foundation, a scholarship program is held annually to award $1,000 for up to 10 outstanding graduate students who are currently enrolled in a master's-level degree program for school counseling, guidance services, college counseling, or student counseling. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited U.S. graduate school, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, exhibit promise as future school counselors, submit at least one letter of recommendation, and attach a current resume. With the goal of promoting diversity, preference will be given to ethnic minority students and males.

Contact

ASCA Foundation Scholarship Program
1101 King Street Suite 625
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-2722
selor.org
Scholarship Link

3. Betty W. Robbins Endowed Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

Administered by the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA) since 1995, the Betty W. Robbins Endowed Scholarship is designed to provide up to $2,000 annually to college students pursuing graduate studies in school counseling, school psychology, mental health, special education, speech pathology, or related fields to work directly with children with special needs. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens residing in or attending an accredited college in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Applications must include three recommendation forms, certified college transcripts, a resume, and a copy of current driver's license.

Contact

Betty W. Robbins Endowed Scholarship
845 South Main Street
Greenville, MS 38701
(662) 332-3000

Scholarship Link

4. Carla Mulkey Memorial Graduate Scholarship

Deadline: September 4th

Sponsored by the Colorado School Counselor Association (CSCA), the Carla Mulkey Memorial Graduate Scholarship is granted annually for $500 to deserving graduate students who are earning a master's or doctoral degree in school counseling. Qualified applicants must be student members of CSCA, have completed one full year of graduate courses, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, and be attending a CACREP-accredited program in Colorado. Along with the application, students must submit a cover letter, official college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, evidence of community involvement, and a personal essay entitled "Why I Want to Become a School Counselor."

Contact

Carla Mulkey Memorial Graduate Scholarship
201 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80203
(720) 515-1390

5. Cheryl Hamel School Counselor Scholarship

Deadline: December 18th

At West Chester University, the College of Education has created the Cheryl Hamel School Counselor Scholarship to present $1,500 annually to full or part-time graduate students who are currently pursuing a master's degree in elementary or secondary school counseling. Eligible applicants must carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, demonstrate financial need, possess solid leadership abilities, show potential as a school counselor, and have completed at least nine credits towards their degree. Candidates must submit an application, college transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and a brief personal statement.

Contact

Cheryl Hamel School Counselor Scholarship
700 South High Street
West Chester, PA 19383
(610) 436-2559

6. Dottie Martin Teachers Scholarship Fund

Deadline: June 1st

In honor of the First Lady's dedication to youth, the Dottie Martin Teachers Scholarship Fund was founded by the North Carolina Federation of Republication Women (NCFRW) to award $500 annually to young teachers who are presently enrolled in an accredited graduate program for child guidance counseling or school counseling. Eligible teachers must be accepted at an approved in-state institution, reside within North Carolina, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and be committed to making a difference in the lives of the state's children. Applications should include three recommendations, a recent transcript, and a typed personal essay.

Contact

Dottie Martin Teachers Scholarship Fund
4413 Driftwood Drive
Clemmons, NC 27012
(336) 766-0067

Scholarship Link

7. Dr. Jerry Chandler Scholarship

Deadline: July 1st

Established by the Oklahoma School Counselor Association (OKSCA), the Dr. Jerry Chandler Scholarship is designed to award $500 each year in honor of a devoted school counselor who served as a professor and coordinator in the school counseling program at the University of Central Oklahoma for 15 years. Qualified applicants must be OKSCA members, be enrolled in an accredited master's program for guidance or school counseling in Oklahoma, attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, and plan to serve Oklahoma as a school counselor. For consideration, students should submit an official transcript, three professional references, a current resume, and a 250-word personal goal statement.

Contact

Dr. Jerry Chandler Scholarship
P.O. Box 31862
Edmond, OK 73003
(918) 640-9453

8. Emeliza Swain Legacy Scholarship

Deadline: February 20th

Through the Georgia School Counselors Association (GSCA), the Emeliza Swain Legacy Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 to two deserving graduate students who are currently enrolled at an accredited Georgia university to earn a master's degree in school or guidance counseling. Applicants must maintain full-time enrollment status, have unmet financial need, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2, and have been GSCA members for at least five consecutive years. Scholarship application packets won't be complete without a cover letter, official transcript, personal essay, and three letters of recommendation.

Contact

Emeliza Swain Legacy Scholarship
2900 Delk Road Suite 700
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 971-6002

Scholarship Link

9. Esther Katz Rosen Fund Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Ranging in value from $1,000 to $50,000, the Esther Katz Rosen Fund Scholarship is granted through the American Psychological Foundation (APF) to graduate students enrolled in accredited school psychology, school counseling, special education, and related programs who are conducting innovative research on gifted children. Eligible applicants must be pursuing a doctoral degree, be affiliated with an accredited U.S. university, maintain good academic standing, have less than 10 years of professional experience, and seek to enhance the development of gifted and talented children. Applications should include a detailed project proposal not exceeding seven pages, a current CV or resume, and two support letters.

Contact

Esther Katz Rosen Fund Scholarship
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843

10. Fred Adair Rural Scholarship

Deadline: June 30th

Sponsored by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Foundation, the Fred Adair Rural Scholarship is bestowed annually for $5,000 upon master's-level students in Colorado and Virginia who are currently enrolled in an approved program for community counseling, school counseling, or clinical mental health counseling. Qualified candidates must be committed to serving priority underserved communities, maintain good standing in a CACREP-accredited program, and have completed at least 18 credits of graduate studies. Recipients will be obligated to provide counseling services in a rural area as defined by the HRSA for at least two years upon completion.

Contact

Fred Adair Rural Scholarship
3 Terrace Way
Greensboro, NC 27403
(336) 232-0376

Scholarship Link

11. Harry and Susanne Clay Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Every year, the Michigan School Counselor Association (MSCA) offers the Harry and Susanne Clay Scholarship for $2,000 to graduate students who are pursuing coursework leading to a master's, doctoral, or other advanced degree in school counseling. Candidates must be already accepted into a CACREP-accredited program, reside within Michigan, hold current MSCA membership, and show potential for succeeding in the school counseling profession. All applications must be accompanied by an official transcript, a 500-word written personal statement describing applicants' future contributions to the school counseling field, and at least one recommendation letter.

Contact

Harry and Susanne Clay Scholarship
327 Carlton Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 745-4637

Scholarship Link

12. Harvey Neal Kretzer Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

At Youngstown State University, the Beeghly College of Education delivers the Harvey Neal Kretzer Scholarship each year for $2,500 in honor of a former teacher in the Youngstown City Schools who had a sincere desire to help young children's mental health before passing away unexpectedly at a young age. Eligible candidates must be currently enrolled in the university's school counseling master's program, be committed to working with disadvantaged children, exhibit need for financial assistance, maintain good standing, and have relevant volunteer or paid work experience with children. Awardees will be recognized at the counseling program's Chi Sigma Iota banquet every spring.

Contact

Harvey Neal Kretzer Scholarship
One University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555
(330) 941-3215

Scholarship Link

13. Immaculate A. Fruscione Scholarship

Deadline: February 15th

Within the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, the Immaculate A. Fruscione Scholarship is granted annually to cover 12 credits of tuition costs for one deserving graduate student who is currently enrolled full-time in the master's degree program for school counseling. Qualified recipients must carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, be committed to working at least three years in inner-city urban schools upon degree completion, and show leadership potential in school counseling. For consideration, students must submit a completed application form with an unofficial transcript, letter of support, and 500-word essay stating their personal qualifications.

Contact

Immaculate A. Fruscione Scholarship
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-4200

Scholarship Link

14. Linda C. Eby Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 30th

In honor of her 32-year service in school counseling, the Linda C. Eby Scholarship Program was founded by the Oregon School Counselor Association (OSCA) for Oregon students who are enrolling full-time in an accredited master's degree program for school counseling to impact the academic, career, social, and emotional development of children. All candidates must write a personal essay of no more than 500 words describing how a certified school counselor currently employed in Oregon has shaped her future career aspirations. Recipients will receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship made directly to their college or university for tuition expenses.

Contact

Linda C. Eby Scholarship Program
10865 SW Walnut Street
Tigard, OH 97223

Scholarship Link

15. Lloyd A. Stone School Counseling Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

At Emporia State University, the Lloyd A. Stone School Counseling Scholarship is awarded each year for $1,000 to outstanding graduate students who are majoring in school counseling within the Department of Counselor Education. Qualified applicants must carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 in graduate coursework, maintain full-time enrollment status, show a passion for the study of mental health, and be working towards licensure as a school counselor for serving Kansas school districts. Along with the application form, students should submit an official transcript, one letter of recommendation, and a maximum one-page personal essay.

Contact

Lloyd A. Stone School Counseling Scholarship
1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS 66801
(620) 341-5220

Scholarship Link

16. Lullelia W. Harrison Scholarships in Counseling

Deadline: February 1st

Funded by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the Lullelia W. Harrison Scholarships in Counseling are granted annually for $500 to $1,000 apiece to undergraduate or graduate students who are enrolled in an accredited degree program for counseling, including school counseling. Eligible candidates must be attending an approved U.S. university, maintain full-time enrollment status, make satisfactory academic progress, be actively involved in community service activities, and showcase professional potential. Applications must include three letters of recommendation, official college transcripts, proof of enrollment, copies of W-2 forms, documentation of volunteer work, and a 150-word personal goals statement.

Contact

Lullelia W. Harrison Scholarships in Counseling
1734 New Hampshire Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 387-3103

Scholarship Link

17. Lynn Jensen Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: December 12th

In honor of his 30-year career at the Utah State Office of Education in school counseling before passing away peacefully after a valiant two-year battle with cancer, the Lynn Jensen Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for $500 by the Utah School Counselor Association (USCA). All applicants must be graduating high school seniors, be accepted at an accredited U.S. college, plan to become school counselors or public education teachers for grades K-12, and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Applications must be accompanied by a high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores, two letters of recommendation, a current photograph, and an essay about a school counselor who positively influenced candidates' school success.

Contact

Lynn Jensen Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 572033
Murray, UT 84107
(801) 984-7636

Scholarship Link

18. Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 24th

For up to $4,000 annually, the Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship is presented by the Nassau Counselors' Association to exemplary graduate students who are enrolled full or part-time in an accredited master's degree in school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, or community counseling. Qualified candidates must have completed at least 12 graduate credit hours, exhibit a commitment to the counseling profession, maintain good academic achievement, be members of the NCA, and write a short personal statement explaining the benefits of belonging to a professional counseling organization. Students must be living, interning, or attending graduate school within Nassau County for consideration.

Contact

Marie C. Quinn Memorial Scholarship
2301 Grand Avenue
Bellmore, NY 11710

Scholarship Link

19. OSCA Graduate Student Scholarships

Deadline: April 30th

Annually, the Ohio School Counselor Association (OSCA) distributes two Graduate Student Scholarships for $1,000 apiece to quality graduate students who are currently enrolled in a master's degree program for school counseling within the state of Ohio. Eligible candidates must maintain active student membership with OSCA, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and have completed at least six semester hours of graduate studies. Completed application forms should include a professional letter of support, official graduate school transcripts, and a one-page typed essay explaining how school counselors create systemic change in schools for maximized student learning.

Contact

OSCA Graduate Student Scholarships
P.O. Box 1445
Dublin, OH 43017
(866) 230-1042

Scholarship Link

20. Ross Trust Future School Counselors Essay Competition

Deadline: December 12th

Supported by the Roland and Dorothy Ross Trust, the Future School Counselors Essay Competition is hosted annually by the American Counseling Association (ACA) for student members who are enrolled in counseling-related studies at accredited U.S. colleges or universities to build a career in elementary or secondary school counseling. Participants must write an original 500-word essay that discusses the purpose of ethical standards in the counseling profession and how they can be more effectively communicated. Each year, one grand prize winner will receive $1,000 and 15 runners-up will be given a $250 ACA eGift certificate.

Contact

Ross Trust Future School Counselors Essay Competition
6101 Stevenson Avenue Suite 600
Alexandria, VA 22304
(800) 347-6647

Scholarship Link

Earning a degree in school counseling can provide a rather high return on investment with an average annual salary of $56,160. However, you'll need to finance at least six years in post-secondary education in order to reach your goal of becoming a licensed school counselor. Since tuition costs won't be going anywhere but up, it's advised that you do your homework and search for numerous funding sources to cut the financial burden. These are just 20 of the school counseling scholarships offered to help you provide guidance to diverse children and adolescents in K-12 school districts.