Rural Trauma Informed Behavioral Health Social Work Scholarship and Stipend Information and Application Process

Rural Behavioral Health Social Work Scholarship and Stipend

The Rural Behavioral Health Social Work Scholarship and Stipend aims to reduce financial barriers for graduate students committed to specialized trauma-informed social work practice in the rural setting. This initiative supports the JSU Social Work Department's mission to increase the number of skilled behavioral health professionals serving rural and underserved communities within our 11-county catchment area in Alabama which includes Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburn, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Randolph, St. Clair, and Talladega.

Scholarship & Stipend Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a United States citizen.
• Applicant must apply to and be accepted as a fulltime student in the Jacksonville State University Master of Social Work program at the time of application.
• Applicant must remain enrolled fulltime to receive the educational scholarship & stipend.
• Applicant must have an undergraduate GPA of 2.5
• Applicant must agree to maintain a 3.0 throughout the Jacksonville State University Master of Social Work program.

Scholarship and Stipend Applicant Commitments

1. Sign a commitment letter to:
   • Complete required trainings, experiential learning activities, and evaluations coordinated by the Clinical Engagement Coordinator during the 2nd and 3rd semesters of the program.
   • Commit to taking certain required courses while in the program as outlined in the commitment letter.
   • Provide their NPI number within 1 year of graduation, per the grant requirements, as well as provide employment information.
   • Stay in contact with the Jacksonville State University’s Social Work Department for up to four (4) years post-graduation to participate in data collection, community engagement initiatives, and the best practices consortium.
   • Participate in at least 6 continuing education trainings to remain trauma certified.
2. Provide trauma-informed services to individuals ages 0–26 in behavioral health settings upon graduation of the MSW program, within the catchment area.
3. Embody trauma-informed care principles (e.g., safety, empowerment, cultural humility) in social work practice.

Scholarship Application Process

We accept applications for the Spring Advanced Standing Cohort and the Summer Advanced Standing Cohorts.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes the following by the designated due date:

1. Application Form: Fully completed with all required fields.
2. Scholarship Essay: Details provided below.
3. Professional Video Presentation: Instructions provided below.
4. Review of Official Transcripts: Submitted directly from the applicant’s undergraduate institution to be considered with their application to the MSW program.

Scholarship & Stipend Essay Instructions

The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of trauma-informed care and their ability to apply a specific intervention to a population or social problem they are passionate about.

Essay Prompts

1. Identify a population or social issue affecting people ages 0-26 that you are passionate about addressing (e.g., survivors of domestic violence, youth in foster care, veterans, individuals impacted by systemic racism).
2. Explain the unique challenges this group faces, particularly as it relates to trauma.
3. Identify a specific trauma-informed intervention or therapeutic modality (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Trauma [CBT-T], EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [TF-CBT], Sanctuary Model, etc.).
4. Describe the intervention in detail, including its theoretical foundation, techniques, and evidence supporting its effectiveness.
5. Outline how you would implement the trauma-informed intervention with this population or issue. Provide a clear, realistic plan, including potential barriers and how you would address them. Discuss the expected outcomes and how the intervention aligns with trauma-informed principles (e.g., safety, trustworthiness, empowerment).
6. Reflect on why this intervention, population, or issue resonates with you. Highlight how your personal, professional, or educational experiences have shaped your commitment to this work.

Essay Format and Submission Guidelines

Essay Length: 1,500 words or less. Format: Use APA’s 7^th Edition Formatting Guidelines. Typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins all around. Include a minimum, of four (4) evidence-based references and corresponding in-text citations to support your argument. Submit as a PDF document titled “LastName_Essay_Scholarship.pdf.”

Send to RTIBHWETScholarshipandStipend@jsu.edu by the application due dates.  Applications are due by November 1^st (Spring Cohort) and April 1^st (Summer Cohort). 

Scholarship & Stipend Professional Video Presentation Instructions

The purpose of the video is to provide the committee with insight into the applicant’s background, communication skills, and commitment to the social work profession. The video should connect to the content of the essay while showcasing the applicant’s passion for trauma-informed care. The applicant must create a 15-minute video addressing the following:

1. Introduction: Provide your name, educational background, and status (e.g., undergraduate student, prospective MSW student). Briefly introduce the population or social issue you are passionate about.
2. Professional and Educational Background: Highlight any relevant professional or volunteer experience that has prepared you for specialized social work (e.g., internships, work with specific populations, leadership roles). Discuss key academic achievements or coursework that align with your commitment to trauma-informed care.
3. Connection to the Essay: Summarize the trauma-informed intervention you described in your essay. Explain why this intervention is meaningful to you and how you would apply it to the population or issue you are passionate about.
4. Closing: Reiterate why you are an ideal candidate for the scholarship and stipend. Describe how receiving this support would impact your academic and professional goals.

Video Technical and Submission Guidelines

Length: 15 minutes or less. Format: Upload/Email a MP4 or .MOV file. Quality: Ensure clear audio and video; professional but not overly formal (e.g., a well-lit space, business-casual attire). Submission: Save the file as “LastName_Video_Scholarship.mp4” and upload to the designated platform or email link.

Send to RTIBHWETScholarshipandStipend@jsu.edu by the application due dates.  Applications are due by November 1^st (Spring Cohort) and April 1^st (Summer Cohort). 

Scholarship Awards and Disbursements

Total Award: $25,000.

Tuition Coverage: Up to $15,600 for the advanced year of the MSW program.

Stipend Disbursements

1. $2,350 during the 2nd semester (after midterms).
2. $7,050 at the beginning of the 3rd semester (after internship orientation).

Rubric for Jacksonville State University Clinical MSW Scholarship and Stipend Application (150pts)

For more information, please contact RTIBHWETScholarshipandStipend@jsu.edu 

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2.4 million dollars with no percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the Social Work Department at Jacksonville State University and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.