About The Program

Addressing unmet mental and behavioral health needs in Texas is a critical issue for our state’s workforce.

The newly established Post-Graduate Clinical Scholarship program is intended to support LCSW workforce development through an innovative, two-year post-graduate scholarship. The program is designed to bridge the LMSW-LCSW gap and expand the workforce of licensed therapists. 

Scholarships for 2025 will be awarded to graduates of Texas Social Work’s MSSW Clinical Program, with priority given to recent graduates who are currently employed at an agency where they engage in assessment, diagnosis, and/or treatment.

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Why This Program?

  • At The University of Texas at Austin, 84% of social work students pursue a clinical concentration with the goal of obtaining their LCSW, but students note cost as a significant challenge to completing the licensure process.
  • To address barriers and rapidly expand the number of licensed clinical social workers in the mental health workforce, Texas Social Work is launching a Post-Graduate Clinical Scholarship program, generously funded by a private foundation. 
  • This two-year, post-graduate scholarship program provides essential logistical and financial support to help LMSWs become LCSWs — and ultimately, licensed therapists serving their communities. 

How to apply

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Program Eligibility
  • Be a Texas Social Work Clinical Program graduate and hold an active LMSW license in the State of Texas.
  • Have the ability to attain Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) approval for LCSW licensure.  
  • Priority will be given to recent graduates, but all clinical program graduates are eligible. Selection is based on merit, financial need, and commitment to LCSW licensure and therapeutic practice. 
Application Requirements:
  • Completed application           
  • Resume           
  • Current job description           
  • Letter of Support from current employer          
  • Ability to verify financial need 
Application Deadlines

All application materials are due by July 9, 2025.

What the Program Provides

Financial Support

The scholarship program is valued at $9,259 per scholar per year. Key provided items are below:

  • 100 hours of board-approved clinical supervision, fully provided
  • Monitoring and support toward the 3,000 required supervised work hours
  • Exam preparation materials and fully paid LCSW exam fee coverage 
  • A stipend of $3,300
  • Access to CEU opportunities 
  • Connections via a cohort-based support model to foster peer connection and professional growth

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will be selecting the recipients of this scholarship program?

The SHS Scholarship Committee, in collaboration with clinical supervisors and the SHS Clinical Concentration Committee, will be selecting the scholarship recipients. 

How many participants will be selected?

A grand total of 27 participants are expected to be chosen for this year’s program. The total number of participants is subject to change at the discretion of Texas Social Work.

What factors will the committee consider?

The committee will consider merit, financial need, and commitment to therapeutic practices in Texas.

Who provided the funds for this program?

The funds were provided by an anonymous donor.