While your college years can be some of the best of your life, they can also be an extremely trying time. 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 a college can increase tenfold.
If you are affected by or diagnosed with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Millions of people in the U.S. are diagnosed with mental health struggles 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.
Furthermore, many mental illnesses lead to physical, social, and financial consequences. 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.
After evaluating various platforms and the scholarships they offer, we found that Bold.org stands out significantly. Our research highlighted that Bold.org not only provides many scholarships specifically aimed at students with mental health issues but also ensures that there are tons of other resources students can access. This makes Bold.org an excellent resource.
Whether you live with one of many anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, a visible or invisible disability, there are mental health scholarships accessible to you, including diagnosis-specific scholarships. Take a look at our list below and begin applying.
Whether you are already enrolled in a college or university or are one of many high school seniors preparing for college, start applying for scholarships today to support your educational journey.
Where to Find Mental Health Scholarships
Finding scholarships can be made simpler by knowing the right places to search:
School Guidance Office
A primary resource offering access to local and national scholarships.
Online Scholarship Databases
Websites like Bold.org provide personalized scholarship matches.
Community Organizations
Local clubs, businesses, and foundations often sponsor scholarships.
Colleges and Universities
Check with the financial aid office of the institutions you are interested in for available scholarships.
Graduate students in good academic standing should consider applying for graduate school scholarships to help them relieve the stress of college costs. Apply today!
Types of Scholarship Sponsors
Mental health scholarship sponsors vary across the board, as there are many individuals and companies looking to help students in need attend the colleges of their dreams. Scholarship sponsors come from a variety of backgrounds, each with different objectives:
Educational Institutions
Offer scholarships based on merit, need, or specific study areas.
Private Businesses and Corporations
Typically, they support scholarships as part of their community outreach or corporate responsibility.
Non-Profit Organizations and Foundations
Aim to support educational efforts or assist specific groups of students.
Government Agencies
Provide scholarships to encourage study in high-demand fields or to support underrepresented students.
Scholarship Application Strategy
Effective strategies for applying for scholarships include:
Apply Early
Start your applications as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines.
Tailor Your Applications
Customize your application to align with the sponsor’s mission and criteria.
Strong Recommendations
Choose recommenders who can attest to your strengths and tailor their letters to the scholarship.
Stay Organized
Keep track of deadlines, application materials, and follow-up tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Scholarships
When Should I Start Applying for Scholarships?
The deadline for mental health scholarships can range anywhere from the summer prior to when you begin your academic year to the spring season when individuals are typically receiving college acceptance letters. To play it safe, start looking at mental health scholarships an entire academic year before you need one. However, some scholarships may be available throughout the year, depending on the organization offering them.
What to Consider When Applying for Scholarships?
When applying for mental health scholarships, take note of eligibility criteria, the money awarded, and application deadlines. With numerous mental health scholarships available, you will be able to create a list of scholarships that meet your criteria. Try to apply for scholarships that match your mental health situation most accurately.
How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Scholarships?
When it comes to applying for mental health scholarships, the more scholarships you apply for, the more likely you are to receive a scholarship. That being said, target scholarships that are most personal to you first.
Are There Scholarships for People Who Suffer From Eating Disorders?
Yes, there are scholarships specifically designed for individuals who suffer from eating disorders or are in recovery. These scholarships aim to support their educational aspirations while recognizing the challenges they face in overcoming such disorders.
Can I Apply If I Am Studying in a Related Field?
Yes, students in fields such as psychology, social work, and counseling are typically eligible.
What Are Typical Requirements?
Pursuing a relevant degree, involvement in mental health initiatives, and academic achievement. Some scholarships may even require you to share how you will make a difference in mental health awareness and what it means for you.
How Can I Stand Out in My Application?
Highlight your experience and commitment to mental health through research, volunteer work, or related employment. Highlighting your interest in becoming a mental health professional is a great way to tailor your application and show how the scholarship will make a difference for you. If you suffer from mental health issues, also showcase those struggles and demonstrate how raising awareness of mental health conditions can make a difference in society.
Many mental health scholarships are available to help those struggling with mental health challenges. They’re also available for those who wish to pursue careers in mental health services. Apply for these scholarships to help you, no matter what your field of study is, to reduce your financial burden.
Bethany Keene
Alongside her English degree, Bethany Keene’s passion for community engagement and civic responsibility serves as the foundation for her articles at Scholarship Institute, where she writes about scholarships and other funding opportunities for students with a focus on social issues in education.
