Human Services Majors: Get Scholarship Money

Study in a Department of Public Policy and Education, Human Services and Education, Human Development, and Health Science and Human Services and you are likely aiming for a job in public service. Students concentrate studies in departments like these so they can prepare adequately for very specific career pathways in the interdisciplinary field of Human Services. Guess what? Professionals in these areas are in constant demand and as such you will always find some solid scholarship sources.

You can study Human Services at the Associates, Bachelors, and Masters levels.

Disabilities, mental health, substance abuse, children’s services, family assistance, crisis services and economic services and assistance are just a few of the areas often collected under Human Services.

Government Sources

A couple of very good scholarships from the federal government are useful for students studying Human Services:

  • The Truman Scholarships are competitive and prestigious. Undergraduate juniors pursuing education in public policy, human services, and related, who are natural leaders, and who are committed passionately to making a difference public service fields are welcome to apply. In order to qualify for up to $30,000 in scholarship cash, candidates must be pursuing a Masters degree in a public service or human services related field. As of 2005, the Truman Scholarship comes with a service obligation—3 years in a designated public service job in exchange for the scholarship.
  • Udall Foundation Scholarships offer a number of opportunities for various types of students, but for Native American students interested in pursuing jobs in “tribal public policy,” which could include Human Services, the scholarships could provide good tuition discounts. Be aware that should you fit the profile of a Udall Scholar that you would be required to work in a tribal public service capacity.

Private Sources

Professional associations are fertile ground for scholarships. Organizations like these make it part of their mission to support both student development as well as professional development and as such financial free aid is often awarded. Example:

  • The National Organization for Human Services runs annual scholarship programs that offer something for everyone involved in this organization, from students to practicing professionals. Student scholarships are $500, but funding may vary from year to year.

Besides the above sources, offered as illustration of the variety of Human Services scholarships, you must include those awards given through your own college or university.