Are you struggling with mental health while pursuing higher education? Discover mental health scholarships designed to support students facing psychological challenges. Learn about opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application tips to ease your financial burden and advance your academic journey.
While your college years can be some of the best of your life, they can also be an extremely trying time. It might be your first time living on your own, away from the emotional support of your family. It could also be the first time you’ve had to change schools, acclimate to a new environment, and make new friends. And let’s not forget the challenges of tackling a higher-education workload and the financial burden of paying for college. The list of difficult transitions that come when you attend college is endless. But if you live with a mental illness, then the stress of attending an academic college can increase tenfold.
If you are affected by a diagnosed mental health condition, you are not alone. Millions of people in the U.S. are diagnosed with mental disabilities every year. Any mental illness (AMI) is defined as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. AMI can range in impact from no impairment to mild, moderate, and even severe impairment. Not only is youth mental health worsening, but this demographic is currently struggling the most with mental illness, particularly in the last couple of years.
Nearly 36.2% of young adults between 18 and 25 suffer from a mental, behavioral, or emotional mental health condition. Furthermore, many mental illnesses lead to physical, social, and financial consequences. The rate of unemployment is higher among U.S. adults who have a mental disability compared to those who don’t. High school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out of school compared to their peers. Students aged 6-17 with mental, emotional, or behavioral health disorders are 3 times more likely to repeat a grade.
That’s why mental health scholarships for college students are so incredibly important. Mental health scholarships not only offer support and recognition to students suffering from debilitating illnesses, but they can also raise awareness about the widespread impact of these illnesses. Additionally, mental health scholarships can help relieve the financial burden of paying for college for students who are suffering from mental illness.
Whether you live with one of many Anxiety disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, or a visible or invisible disability, there are mental health scholarships accessible to you, including diagnosis-specific scholarships. Whether you are already enrolled in a college or university or are among many high school seniors seeking mental health scholarships, there is a scholarship out there that catered perfectly towards you and your needs.
Mental Health Scholarships
1. WiseGeek Mental Health Well-Being Scholarship
College students often face great stress. The transition to adulthood is a time of significant change and can challenge a student’s emotional health and well-being.
Whether it’s the pressure to make the honor roll or just fit in with a friend group, it’s important to give students the support and guidance they need to cope with the stress of college. This is especially important given the global pandemic, which has added new challenges for college students.
The WiseGeek Mental Health Well-Being Scholarship is meant to provide awareness of mental health challenges and assist those facing those issues with a $500 award to help pay their tuition.
2. The Bold Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
This competitive mental health scholarship is awarded to one student every year who is either struggling with mental health or interested in helping others whose mental health challenges have been impacted. The scholarship is open to all students in any major, and the winner will receive $500. In the application essay, contestants will discuss their ideas and suggestions for the mental health field.
3. Mental Health Movement Scholarship
This generous scholarship will be granted to four individuals who have either suffered from mental illness or who have had a loved one battle with mental health. Funded by the Mental Health Movement, each winner will receive $1,012. To apply, applicants must write a 300-word essay sharing their own or a loved one’s journey with mental health and how they want to use this experience to impact others with a shared situation positively.
4. Mahlagha Jaberi Mental Health Awareness of Immigrants Scholarship
The mission of the Mahlagha Jaberi Mental Health Awareness for Immigrants Scholarship is to spread awareness about the mental health of immigrants living in the United States. This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one first or second-generation immigrant who has previously or is currently battling with mental health. To apply, an individual must write about both their experiences with mental health and as an immigrant, as well as some of their hopes and dreams for the future.
5. Noah Wilson “Loaded Spinach” Arts & Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
This award is dedicated to Noah A.H. Wilson, who tragically lost his life to suicide in 2020. In honor of Noah, a sophomore at The School of the Art Institute in Chicago when he passed, this scholarship is awarded to one high school senior graduating in 2022. This individual must be pursuing a degree in the arts and have a passion for mental health and suicide prevention. The winner will receive $1,200.
How to Apply for Mental Health Scholarships
Applying for mental health scholarships is similar to applying for most other types of scholarships, and most applications are available online. Each application will have its unique requirements, but typically, you will need to provide basic information about yourself, such as high school or college transcripts and GPA. If you’re concerned that your grades or GPA might affect your chances of getting a scholarship, don’t worry! You still have time to improve your scores. Seek help from teachers, professors, or online tutors for support. For your transcript, consult your high school guidance counselor or your college registrar’s office. There might be a small fee, but you can use this transcript for all your scholarship applications.
Many mental health scholarship applications require a personal essay or statement. Applicants usually need to write about their mental illness, the challenges they’ve faced, and why receiving the scholarship is important to them. If you plan to apply for multiple scholarships, consider creating one or more essay templates. Since most essays will focus on your mental health experiences, having templates will allow you to customize your essays for each application without starting from scratch every time.
When you find a scholarship you want to apply for, carefully read the details, including the eligibility criteria and the required paperwork. If you need to submit medical information or a letter of recommendation, prioritize gathering these documents first, as they may take time to obtain.
Where to Look for Scholarships
Finding mental health scholarships can be challenging, but there are several resources to help you in your search. Start by checking the colleges and universities you wish to attend to see if they offer any mental health scholarships. Additionally, there are many scholarship search engines and mental health scholarship round-ups available online. These resources often provide detailed information on eligibility, application requirements, GPA minimums, and the amount of scholarship money awarded, making it easier to find scholarships that fit your needs.
Types of Scholarship Sponsors
Mental health scholarship sponsors come from a diverse range of backgrounds, all united in their desire to help students in need achieve their educational goals. Some sponsors are individuals or foundations with personal experiences with mental illness, driven by a deep connection to the cause. Many sponsors are affiliated with mental health organizations, such as the American Association of Health and Disability (AAHD) or the American Psychological Foundation, which aim to support students in need. Additionally, large corporations like Microsoft and Wells Fargo offer scholarships, such as the Microsoft Disability Scholarship and the Wells Fargo Scholarship Program, to provide resources and funding for mental health support.
Scholarship Application Strategy
With numerous scholarships available, applying to as many increases your chances of receiving one. However, given time and financial constraints, you might prefer to be selective in your applications. Focus on scholarships that closely match your specific circumstances. For instance, if you’re dealing with addiction and substance abuse, prioritize scholarships tailored to students facing these challenges. If you have additional time, broaden your search to include more general mental health scholarships. Targeting personal and specific scholarships can make creating a compelling application and personal statement easier.
Commonly Asked Questions for Mental Health Scholarships
1. Can I get a scholarship for mental health?
Yes, there are many scholarships available for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students battling mental illness who need financial assistance. If you or a loved one has struggled with mental illness, or if you are working to raise mental health awareness, you are encouraged to apply.
2. When should I start applying for scholarships?
The application periods for mental health scholarships vary, from the summer before the academic year to the spring when college acceptance letters are usually received. To ensure you have ample time, research and apply for scholarships a full academic year before you need the funds.
3. What types of scholarships are available for students struggling with mental health?
There is a wide range of scholarships available for students with mental health challenges. These scholarships cater to high school students, current college students, and individuals with mild to severe mental illnesses or disabilities, addressing various needs and circumstances.
4. What should I consider when applying for scholarships?
When applying for mental health scholarships, pay attention to the eligibility criteria, the amount of money awarded, and the application deadlines. With numerous scholarships available, you can create a list that aligns with your specific needs and situation, prioritizing those that closely match your mental health circumstances.
5. How do I make my application stand out?
To make your scholarship application stand out, focus on crafting a compelling personal statement or essay. Share your unique story, explain why the scholarship is important to you, and describe how it will impact your life. The more personal and heartfelt your story is, the more memorable your application will be.
6. How can I increase my chances of getting scholarships?
Increasing your chances of receiving scholarships involves applying to as many as possible. While it’s important to cast a wide net, prioritize scholarships that are most relevant to your situation. The more applications you submit, the better your odds of receiving financial aid.
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