12 Helpful Tips on Finding Scholarships and Awards in College or Universities for Psychology Volunteers

Last Updated: January 03, 2025

12 Helpful Tips on Finding Scholarships and Awards in College or Universities for Psychology Volunteers

Engaging in psychology-related volunteer work on a global scale offers hands-on experience and supports mental health initiatives, enriching students' comprehension of psychological methodologies and equipping them for prosperous careers in the discipline. Aspiring recipients of psychology scholarships may initiate their search by perusing the American Psychological Association's (APA) extensive scholarship database, which features a range of financial aid options for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students are encouraged to reach out to their university's financial aid offices for information on resources tailored to their institution. Furthermore, scholarships and grants are available from ethnic-minority psychological associations, Psi Chi, and state psychological organizations to assist psychology students.

Best Psychology Scholarships in 2024-2025

Some of the best psychology scholarships available for the 2024-2025 academic year are enlisted below which caters to various levels of education and specific interests within the field.

S.N

Scholarship Name

Amount

Eligibility

Details

1.

Henry Respert Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness Scholarship

Varies

Undergraduate students majoring in healthcare or medical research, including psychology

Supports students committed to making a difference in healthcare and research related to Alzheimer's and dementia.

2.

Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships

$5,000

Undergraduate psychology students

Supports students demonstrating academic excellence and commitment to psychology.

3.

APF Graduate Student Scholarships

$1,000 to $5,000

Graduate students in psychology

Offered by the American Psychological Foundation, aimed at students demonstrating academic merit and financial need.

4.

Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Child Psychology Graduate Fellowships

$25,000

Graduate students focusing on child psychology

Awarded to students showing promise in child psychology engaged in research or professional practice.

Fully funded scholarships for Psychology students

Here are some fully funded scholarship opportunities specifically for psychology students for the 2024-2025 academic year:

S.N

Scholarship Name

Location

Eligibility

Funding

Details

1.

US Fulbright Student Program

United States

International students pursuing graduate studies, including psychology

Fully funded

Promotes cultural exchange and academic collaboration.

2.

University of Passau Scholarships

Germany

International students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degrees, including psychology

Fully funded

Awarded based on academic merit and financial need.

3.

Co-Funded Monash Graduate Scholarship (CF-MGS)

Australia

International students pursuing a master's degree, including psychology

Fully funded

Designed to attract high-achieving students to Monash University.

4.

CERN Doctoral Scholarships

Switzerland

International students pursuing a PhD in various fields, including psychology

Fully funded

Supports doctoral research in a collaborative environment at CERN.

5.

University of Oxford Clarendon Scholarship

United Kingdom

Graduate students in all subjects, including psychology

Fully funded

Awarded based on academic excellence and potential.

Psychology scholarships for minorities

The American Psychological Foundation (APF) offers the Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship to outstanding graduate students from underrepresented groups with financial needs. The scholarship provides $4,000 to one successful applicant each year.

Eligibility criteria include:

  1. Being enrolled in an accredited graduate program
  2. Demonstrating financial need
  3. Committing to reducing disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color, especially those of African descent
  4. Preparing for a career in academia, public policy, or clinical service delivery.
  5. Having experience serving marginalized communities and being a member of the communities they aim to serve
  6. The scholarship was established by Arthur Evans in memory of his grandmother and mother.
  7. Evans is the CEO and executive vice president of the American Psychological Association and has received recognition for his work in behavioral health.

The application deadline typically lies in January each year.

Psychology scholarships for undergraduates

S.N.

Scholarship Name

Amount

Eligibility

Deadline

Details

1.

Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships

$5,000

Undergraduate psychology students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrated financial need

July 10, 2024

Sponsored by the American Psychological Foundation, supports students from diverse backgrounds.

2.

Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarships

$3,000

Must be a member of Psi Chi and pursuing an undergraduate psychology degree

June

Based on academic achievement and involvement in psychology-related activities.

3.

Inez Beverly Prosser Scholarship for Women of Color

$3,000

Women of color who are Psi Chi members pursuing a psychology degree at any level

June

Supports underrepresented groups in psychology.

4.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship

Up to $20,000

Undergraduate students in biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences with a minimum GPA of 3.3 and financial need

March

Includes paid summer research training at the NIH.

Scholarships for female psychology majors

The Inez Beverly Prosser Scholarship for Women of Color offers $3,000 to women of color who are members of Psi Chi and pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in psychology, with a deadline in June. This scholarship aims to support underrepresented groups in the field of psychology. Additionally, the APF Graduate Student Scholarships provide $1,000 to $5,000 for female graduate psychology students demonstrating academic merit and financial need. The Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Child Psychology Graduate Fellowships award $25,000 to female graduate students focused on child psychology who show exceptional promise. The Catching the Dream Scholarship offers $5,000 to Native American female students pursuing higher education, including psychology, emphasizing academic achievement and community involvement. Collectively, these scholarships enhance financial support and opportunities for women in psychology, fostering diversity and representation within the discipline.

Psychology scholarships for high school students

Numerous scholarships are available for high school students interested in pursuing degrees in psychology.

  1. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers various scholarships and grants for students planning to major in psychology.
  2. The Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships provide $5,000 to high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and financial need, with a deadline of July 10, 2024.
  3. Psi Chi Undergraduate Scholarships award $3,000 to Psi Chi members planning to pursue an undergraduate psychology degree, with a June deadline.
  4. The G.H. DePriest Memorial Scholarship offers $500 to high school seniors interested in psychology, while the Catching the Dream Scholarship supports Native American students with $5,000 for higher education.
  5. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship provides up to $20,000 for students in biomedical, behavioral, or social sciences, including psychology, and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program offers up to $40,000 per year for high-achieving students with financial need.
  6. Lastly, Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarships vary in amount and are available to students demonstrating academic achievement and community involvement. These scholarships aim to alleviate educational costs and encourage students to pursue careers in psychology.

Opportunities for students to be psychology volunteers

Experimental Programs

Individuals who volunteer have the opportunity to engage in a variety of psychological research activities, which may include playing video games, filling out surveys, and participating in studies that assess physiological responses through methods such as eye tracking and brain activity monitoring (EEG or fMRI). This participation enables them to collaborate with graduate students and faculty members on research initiatives spanning multiple areas of psychology, including cognitive, social, and developmental psychology.

The initiative promotes teamwork among volunteers and graduate students, enhancing the research experience while offering significant insights into disciplines such as neuroscience and cognitive science. Furthermore, engaging closely with faculty and graduate students can lead to additional academic and professional prospects in the field of psychology.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

S.N.

Universities

Programs

Course Type

Duration

Course Overview

1.

Eastern Washington University

M.sc. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Both Online and offline course format

2 years

Nationally accredited by CACREP since 1992.

Students attend classes and are engaged in clinical experiences with close supervision.

2.

Westminster University

M.sc. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Hybrid

3 years

Students have access to over two dozen practicum sites, allowing for diverse training experiences. The program is CACREP accredited and prepares students for licensure in Utah

3.

Western Washington University

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Both Theoretical and applied counseling

2 years

Applicants are encouraged to have completed courses in research methods and relevant psychology topics.

4.

St. Cloud State University

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Hybrid

-

Designed to prepare culturally fluent counselors through a reflective practitioner model, integrating intensive supervised clinical experiences.

The goal of these programs is to provide students and volunteers with the essential skills and experiences needed to succeed in clinical mental health counseling.

School Counseling Programs

School counseling programs are specifically designed to prepare psychology students and volunteers for careers as school counselors, emphasizing the academic, career, and personal/social development of students.

  1. Notable programs include Holy Family University, which offers a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in School Counseling, accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This program incorporates advocacy training and courses tailored to support English Language Learners and students with disabilities, leading graduates to eligibility for school counselor certification and licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). Other programs, such as those at Lesley University and Western Washington University, focus on comprehensive curricula that include developmental psychology and require practical internships, ensuring students are well-equipped for licensure and effective practice in K-12 settings.
  2. Additionally, programs like those at Eastern Washington University and the University of Wisconsin River Falls provide robust training for students aspiring to become school counselors or psychologists. These programs emphasize a strong foundation in counseling theories and practices, with an increasing focus on diversity, equity, and social justice. By engaging in these comprehensive training experiences, students gain valuable insights and skills necessary for addressing the diverse needs of students in educational environments, ultimately enhancing their readiness to support the mental health and well-being of the school community.

Counseling Training Clinic

Counseling training clinics provide essential hands-on experience for psychology students and volunteers, allowing them to practice counseling techniques under supervision while offering services to the community.

  1. The Counseling Training Clinic at Western Washington University, located in Bellingham, WA, offers individual counseling services for adults, adolescents, and children, as well as occasional support for couples and families. Graduate students provide these services under the supervision of faculty members with Ph.D. degrees in psychology or counselor education. The clinic is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and operates Monday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM during the academic year. Similarly, the Psychology Training Clinic at Miami University in Oxford, OH, provides psychotherapy and psychological assessments for individuals and families, overseen by licensed clinical psychologists. Initial intake appointments are free, while subsequent sessions are available at a low cost, making mental health services accessible to the community.
  2. Counseling Psychology Training Clinic at UW-Madison, which offers cost-efficient psychological services to students and community members, and the UMBC Psychology Training Clinic in Halethorpe, MD, which provides evidence-based individual psychotherapy on a sliding scale based on income. These clinics are staffed by graduate students under faculty supervision, ensuring that clients receive quality care while students gain practical experience in various mental health settings. Overall, these training clinics play a crucial role in preparing future mental health professionals while serving the needs of their respective communities.

Benefits of Psychology Volunteering for Scholarships and Grants

Volunteering in psychology-related fields can significantly enhance a student's profile when applying for scholarships and grants. Here are some key benefits of psychology volunteering that can positively impact scholarship and grant applications:

  1. Unique Experiences and Perspectives

Volunteers often encounter diverse situations and populations, enriching their personal and professional perspectives. These experiences can provide unique content for personal statements or essays required for scholarships, helping applicants stand out.

  1. Improved Mental Health and Well-Being

Research indicates that volunteering can lead to improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased life satisfaction, which can enhance a student's overall academic performance. A strong academic record is often a critical component of scholarship eligibility.

  1. Community Impact

Many scholarships emphasize the importance of giving back to the community. By volunteering, students can illustrate their commitment to making a positive impact, aligning with the values of many scholarship programs.

FAQs

  1. What Are Common Eligibility Requirements?

Psychology scholarships usually require students to maintain a minimum GPA of around 3.0 or higher to show their academic success. Applicants must also be working towards a psychology or related degree. Some scholarships may also require membership in professional organizations like Psi Chi and the International Honor Society in Psychology to improve eligibility for funding.

  1. What Submission Materials Are Typically Required?

When students apply for psychology scholarships, they need to gather various documents such as college transcripts, a detailed resume showcasing their experiences in psychology, letters of recommendation, and essays explaining their career goals. It's important to follow all guidelines and submit these materials on time to increase the chances of receiving the scholarship.

  1. How Can I Make My Application Stand Out?

To make your scholarship application shine, it's important to highlight personal experiences that have inspired your interest in psychology, demonstrating how these experiences have influenced your academic path. Clearly outlining your future career aspirations and illustrating how the scholarship will support you in reaching them can also boost your application. Moreover, obtaining strong letters of recommendation from people who can attest to your skills, commitment, and potential in the field of psychology will bolster your credibility and present a strong argument for why you should be chosen. By incorporating these components, you can craft a unique and powerful application that will grab the attention of scholarship review boards.

Conclusion

Finding scholarships and awards for psychology volunteers can significantly ease the financial burden of education while enhancing academic and professional opportunities. Here’s a conclusion summarizing 12 helpful tips for locating these scholarships:

By following these tips, psychology volunteers can effectively navigate the scholarship landscape, maximizing their chances of obtaining financial support for their education and professional development. With careful planning and proactive searching, students can alleviate financial stress and focus more on their academic and volunteer pursuits in psychology.

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