Here are a few of my recommended social work resources for African American students:
National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW)
The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc., comprised of people of African ancestry, is committed to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human services delivery, and research.
Social Work Jobs
These job listings are posted on the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) website, meaning that employers are most likely committed to hiring a diverse workforce. By starting your job search here, I feel like you’re bettering your chances at landing a job interview.
CENIE “JOMO” WILLIAMS TUITION SCHOLARSHIP- (2) Awards of $2,500
Cenie “Jomo” Williams, Jr. was the first elected President of the National Association of Black Social Workers. He was elected President of the New York City Association of Black Social Workers in 1969 and developed many community programs that brought positive changes in the New York community, and built the New York City Chapter into the organization’s largest chapter. When elected to the Presidency of the National Association of Black Social Workers in 1970, Williams’ put forth tremendous efforts to develop and organize new chapters, both nationally and internationally.
In 1974, Cenie was appointed the first Executive Director of the National Association of Black Social Workers. As director, the continued his work with the international affiliates which resulted in the development of the National Association of Black Social Workers’ International Education Conference. Until the time of departure in 1983, Cenie never gave up fighting for justice. His passion to serve can only be surpassed by this love for African people everywhere.
SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA • Student must have a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale • Student must be an African American and demonstrate community service • Student must express research interest in the black community • Student must be enrolled for full-time study at an accredited United States social work program in the semester that the award will be granted.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship program is designed to address the financial needs of college students and provide comprehensive mentoring services through its 42 Strategies for Success Curriculum. Once chosen from a national, selective application process, “Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars” receive a generous four-year grant to attend the college or university of their choice and are enrolled in JRF’s celebrated “mentoring curriculum.” JRF’s four-year curriculum enables students to effectively navigate the college environment, explore career options, develop leadership skills, and embrace a commitment to service. Throughout the four-year program, JRF also promotes the values and character traits embodied in the heroic life of its namesake.
The JRF scholarship is awarded to outstanding high school graduates who plan to earn a baccalaureate degree from an accredited, four-year college or university. Additional fellowships are given to JRF Scholars to pursue opportunities to work and study abroad and for post-graduate education.
The Ron Brown Scholarship
The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans. RBSP competitively awards Ron Brown Scholars four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.
Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. Since the Program’s inception in 1996, more than 300 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.
Applicants for the Ron Brown Scholarship MUST be graduating high school seniors at the time of their application. For more on scholarship conditions click here: Ron Brown Scholarship Conditions. The final application deadline is January 9th each year.
Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarship
The Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarships are awarded to master’s degree candidate in social work who demonstrates an interest in or has experience with health/mental health practice and has a commitment to working in African American communities. Previous recipients now work in hospitals, medical clinics, and social services agencies that provide treatment and specialized services to African American patients.
5 African American Pioneers Who Paved The Way for Social Work
It is important to recognize the contributions of those who strove for societal progress before us.
Social Work Degrees
The first step on the path to becoming a social worker is earning the necessary degree.