MSSA Scholarship Program

About

The purpose of the MSSA Scholarship Program is to build and support Minnesota’s health and human service system through a qualified, committed and passionate workforce in Minnesota and the greater Midwest. MSSA scholarships help provide the financial resources to support students pursuing a career in a health and human service-related field. MSSA awards scholarships in five categories—Undergraduate, Graduate, Diversity  (undergraduate and graduate), and the Children and Families Impact Scholarship, funded by the Sauer Family Foundation. Scholarships are also supported by generous donations to the MSSA scholarship fund. 

2026 scholarship recipients will receive: 

  • A financial reward, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on scholarship applied for.
  • Free MSSA membership through their first year after graduation.
  • Free registration to the Annual Conference & Expo. 
Applicants may apply to up to two scholarships so long as they meet all eligibility criteria. For more information on eligibility, read the descriptions of each scholarship.

Children and Families Impact Scholarship

The Children and Families Impact Scholarship is awarded to BIPOC students enrolled in a health and human services-related degree program who are interested in pursuing a career in preventive services to children and families in Minnesota.

MSSA awards 15 Children and Families Impact scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each.

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Diversity Scholarship - Undergraduate and Graduate

The purpose of the MSSA Diversity Scholarship is to work toward the elimination of the disparities within the health and human service system.

MSSA awards two (2) undergraduate diversity scholarships in the amount of $2,500 and three (3) graduate diversity scholarships in the amount of $3,000.

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Graduate Scholarship

The MSSA Graduate Scholarship is awarded to masters or PhD candidates in a health and human service-related graduate program who have demonstrated a passion for and commitment to working in the health and human service field.

MSSA awards three (3) graduate scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each.

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Undergraduate Scholarship

The MSSA Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated a passion for and commitment to working in the health and human service field. 

MSSA awards two (2) undergraduate scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each.

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Application Timeline

January 15, 2026: Application period opens
March 31, 2026: Application period closes
May 2026: Scholarship recipients announced