I'm interested in majoring in counseling and want to know more about scholarships available for this field. What are some good scholarships for students who are planning to enter counseling programs in college?
There are quite a few scholarships geared towards students interested in counseling, so it's a matter of finding those that best fit your specific situation or needs. Remember that some scholarships may be tied to specific levels of study (undergrad, graduate), or the type of counseling you're interested in (school counseling, mental health counseling, etc.), so read the eligibility requirements carefully.
One such scholarship is the NBCC Foundation scholarship. The National Board for Certified Counselors offers several scholarships and fellowships to graduate students pursuing a career in professional counseling. These can include school counseling and mental health counseling among others, and often focus on serving minority populations or populations in particular need.
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) also offers various scholarships and grants that are mostly geared towards graduate students studying school counseling. Some of these awards are specifically aimed at advancing research in the field, while others are designed to help students finish their degrees.
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a variety of scholarships and grants to undergraduate and graduate students in the field of psychology, which can often be applicable to certain types of counseling programs. These awards can be quite competitive, but they're definitely worth a look.
Local counseling organizations may offer scholarships as well. For example, state branches of the American Counseling Association (ACA) or local professional counseling organizations often offer scholarships or grants to help students in the field.
Lastly, don't forget to check directly with the schools you're applying to. Many colleges and universities offer their own scholarships to students in specific programs, which can include counseling.
Remember, applying for scholarships can be time-consuming, and there's always some level of competition, but every bit of financial aid can help reduce the overall cost of your education. Good luck!
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