National Association of Puerto Rican Hispanic Social Workers
2025
Scholarship Application
Now Open
Legacy Scholarship Program
Scholarship application for Graduate-Level Human and Social Services Professionals
The National Association of Puerto Rican-Hispanic Social Workers is proud to offer four scholarship awards in honor of our esteemed cabinet members: Sonia Palacio Grottola, Ruth Negron-Gaines, Angeline Martinez, and Pauline Vasquez.
These awards recognize and support graduate students in human and social services fields who demonstrate a strong commitment to serving Latino communities.
Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship to assist with their academic and professional journey. Open to students across the U.S., regardless of immigration status, this opportunity aims to uplift future leaders dedicated to equity and social justice.
Scholarship recipients will be acknowledged at the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Brunch on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Legacy Scholarship Program Overview
The Legacy Scholarship Program is designed to support and empower graduate-level students pursuing careers in social work, mental health, and human services. The program honors the legacy of past leaders while fostering the next generation of professionals committed to serving Latino communities.
Recipients, known as Visionaries, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help further their academic and professional journeys. In addition to financial support, each Visionary will participate in the Training Program, a virtual two-day intensive focused on essential skills in direct service, community organizing, leadership, policy, and program development.
Through this experience, Visionaries will gain valuable knowledge and hands-on training to become effective change agents in their communities. They will also engage in a year-long mentorship program with seasoned professionals in their field, receiving guidance and support for their personal and professional growth.
As part of their commitment, Visionaries will serve as liaisons between NAPRHSW and their universities, organizing a forum where NAPRHSW board members can engage with students and further the association’s mission.
The Legacy Scholarship Program is a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to gain the skills, knowledge, and connections to make a lasting impact in the Latino community.
Selection Criteria
Eligibility:
- Must be a first- or second-year Latino graduate student in an accredited MSW, MHC, MFT, Psychology or human services program.
- Must demonstrate a commitment to serving Latino communities.
- Open to students across the U.S. regardless of immigration status.
- Must be 21 years old and over.
- Must be able to demonstrate a strong interest in community advocacy and community organization which could potentially impact the Latino Community.
- Must be in need of financial assistance.
Award Amount: $1,000
Application Requirements:
- Personal Statement (750 words) – Describe your journey into the human and social services field, your commitment to serving marginalized communities, and how this scholarship will support your goals.
- Resume or CV – Highlight relevant experience, education, and leadership roles.
- Current Transcript- A current transcript to demonstrate proficient academic performance.
- Letter of Recommendation – From a professor, supervisor, or mentor who can speak to your dedication to the profession you are pursuing.
- Headshot and release of photo consent
For any questions contact naprhsw.info@gmail.com
Application Deadline: Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 11:59PM
Thank you and Good Luck
Cristina Arbucias
2017 Recipient
Fordham University
Receiving this scholarship is a great honor. It has helped me in many ways during my last year of my graduate program, such as paying for my books. This is a great opportunity that allows me to take a summer class for a trauma certification, which will not only help further my career, but also in achieving my dream of working with children and families a lot sooner. Thank you to the National Association of Puerto Rican and Hispanic Social Workers, you have made a positive impact in my schooling and most importantly in my career.
Madeline Perez
2017 Recipient
Columbia University
I appreciate being selected as the Ruth Negron Gaines Memorial Scholarship Award winner. I am honored to be part of the NAPRHSW community, and look forward to representing the association on Columbia’s campus. This scholarship will allow me to participate in specialized training workshops focused on meeting the needs of immigrants and refugees. Like Ms. Gaines, I hope to leave a strong legacy to the social work profession.
Alison Verastegui
2017 Recipient
Thank you National Association of Puerto Rican Hispanic Social Workers! It means a lot to be one of the recipients of this scholarship. This will help me greatly with my student loans and commute to school. I am honored to be receiving this award and be apart of this wonderful community. Thank you again!
Jasmine E. De Paula
2016 Recipient
"The NAPRHSW Scholarship was the very first scholarship I had ever applied for and was selected. The scholarship funds helped me tremendously with paying down loan debt for the semester. I was not aware of the association before winning the scholarship and it has been a blessing being apart of a wonderful network for Hispanic Social Workers. Thank you again NAPRHSW."
Diana Ayala
2016 Recipient
Stony Brook University
"Being chosen as a scholarship recipient was a huge honor for me. The scholarship has helped me greatly, where it has given me the opportunity to enhance my education and it has encouraged me to move forward in the social work profession. This opportunity has allowed me to be a part of the National Association of Puerto Rican and Hispanic Social Workers, and it has allowed me to connect with many different people in terms of my clients, colleagues and different groups and communities. Thanks again to the NAPRHSW."
Yamirelis Otero-Ramos
2018 Scholarship Recipient
Stony Brook University
"I will be forever grateful to the NAPRHSW for this scholarship. Pursuing my MSW has brought incredible financial stress. This award will help alleviate that, so I am able to focus on building the skills I need to be a competent social worker. Thank you once again to the NAPRHSW for this opportunity and for building such an incredible support
group within the Hispanic community to help empower and be the change we want to see in our society."
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