SFA offering scholarships for bilingual students

Scholarships are available at Stephen F. Austin State University for bilingual students pursuing a Master of Social Work degree and seeking a career in mental health in Texas after graduation.

"Two scholarships were awarded in the fall semester, and a third is available through competition for a student beginning the MSW program at SFA in the spring 2009 semester," said Sharon Templeman, SFA associate professor of social work and director of the master's degree program.

The scholarships cover tuition and required fees for students who are fluent in English and Spanish. Recipients must agree to work in the mental health field in Texas following graduation for a period equal to the timeframe of the scholarship.

The scholarships are available through a partnership between the SFA and the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health to narrow the gap between the need for Spanish-language mental health services in Texas and the availability of trained professionals to meet the demand, Templeman said. The Hogg Foundation provides grants and operates programs to support mental health services, research, policy analysis and public education.

For information regarding this scholarship or the SFA social work program, contact Janet Ivy at (936) 468-4020 or Templeman at (936) 468-6612.