MASP Under-represented/Minoritized Student Scholarship

School Psychologists in Michigan serve a racially and ethnically diverse group of students. Regrettably, the population of school psychologists in our state is disproportionately under-represented. Despite various reasons ( institutional and historical) for this mismatch, our organization is committed to encouraging a more diverse and representative group of school psychologists in the next generation. To do so, we have a scholarship fund that will provide a small but meaningful financial award to a school psychology graduate student with an under-represented or minoritized identity who is studying in Michigan.

For the purpose of this scholarship under/represented identity status definition include one of more of the following: 

• American Indian/Indigenous,

• Black or African American, 

• Asian, 

• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander,

• More than one race,

• Arab, Middle Eastern or North African origin,

• Latino/Hispanic origin, 

• Disabled - Low incidence/under-represented disabling conditions, such as (but not limited to) deafness, blindness and mobility limiting physical impairments

• LGBTQ+,

• Other backgrounds not listed here. 

We acknowledge the fluidity of demographics and commit to revising this list as further data is collected. 

2026 Scholarship Timeline and Requirements 

April 2026: Application Opens

June 15, 2026:Application closes, all submissions due

September 2026: Final recipient chosen

October or November 2026: Presentation of scholarship at MASP Fall Conference

We will  award at least one $1,000 scholarship to a student from an underrepresented background who resides in Michigan and is pursuing a degree in school psychology within the state. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in, or accepted to, a graduate program in school psychology in Michigan leading to a Master’s, Education Specialist, or Psychology Specialist degree in school psychology.

The application will require an essay response to the following three questions: (300 words max per response)

• Briefly describe what motivated you to pursue a graduate degree in school psychology. Please include any past personal or professional experiences that may have influenced your motivation. 

• How would you define diversity and inclusion, and why do you think these concepts are important in education?

• What are your long-term career goals in the field of school psychology, and how would you plan to contribute to the advancement of diversity and equity in school psychology?

If you have any questions, please contact Fatimah Muhammad muhammfa@gmail.com and Jenna Jodts jenna.jodts@gmail.com

Apply Here: 2026 MASP Under-represented/Minoritized Student Scholarship

Application closes on June 15, 2026

Presidents Letter:

Dear Prospective Scholarship Applicants,

As the President of the Michigan Association of School Psychology (MASP), I am filled with pride that we are in the third year of the MASP Scholarship to Support Under-represented/Minoritized Graduate Students. This initiative embodies our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the field of school psychology, ensuring that our workforce reflects the rich tapestry of Michigan's student population.

The need for such a scholarship program is still evident when we examine our field. It is imperative that we address this disparity and cultivate a more representative workforce that can effectively serve all students, regardless of their background.

Our goal with this scholarship is twofold: to provide financial support to graduate students from under-represented backgrounds and to encourage them to pursue careers in school psychology within the state of Michigan.

We invite incoming and current graduate students in master’s or education specialist programs in Michigan, who identify as being from under represented backgrounds, to apply for this scholarship.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who will apply for this scholarship.Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future for the field of school psychology in Michigan.

Charlene Mangi, M.Ed

2025-2026 MASP President 

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