Ima Hogg Social Work Scholarships

The Ima Hogg Social Work Scholarship, established in 1956, is one of the workforce strategies designed to bolster mental health in Texas. The scholarship program was originally created at the request of founder Miss Ima Hogg to address the need for more trained social workers to provide quality mental health services in Texas.

Social workers serve in a wide range of settings, including government agencies, healthcare systems, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Their roles span both direct services, such as crisis intervention, counseling, and case management, and broader efforts focused on advocacy, systems change, and public policy. This diverse scope of practice positions social workers to address the complex social, economic, and health challenges that affect millions of individuals, families, and communities. Their work plays a critical role in promoting resilience, strengthening support systems, and fostering healthier, more equitable communities.

Mental health and substance use social workers provide critical support to individuals experiencing psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and co-occurring behavioral health conditions. Their work includes assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and connecting clients to community-based services and support.

Behavioral health social work’s emphasis on strengths-based and person-centered practice offers a distinct and complementary approach to more medically oriented models of mental health and substance use treatment. Rather than focusing exclusively on diagnosis and symptom management, social workers work collaboratively with individuals to build on their strengths, foster resilience, and support recovery. They advocate for programs and services that promote hope, self-determination, empowerment, and meaningful community integration, recognizing that long-term well-being is shaped not only by clinical care but also by social, economic, and environmental factors. This holistic perspective enables social workers to address both individual needs and the broader conditions that influence behavioral health outcomes.

As behavioral health needs continue to grow and demand for services outpaces available resources and the existing workforce, social workers have become increasingly vital in improving access to care and promoting positive outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

Nomination

Every Texas-based graduate school of social work that is accredited or in candidacy status by the Council on Social Work Education is invited to nominate one Master of Social Work (MSW) student per year to receive an Ima Hogg Social Work Scholarship. The foundation awards only one scholarship per university per year. 

Scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement, personal essay, and a commitment to providing mental health programs and services in Texas after graduation.

All potential scholarship recipients must be nominated by the dean or director of their MSW program. Student-submitted applications are not accepted.

Students may contact their graduate program’s office for more information about the scholarship.