CLIMB@DU Scholarship Application

CLIMB@DU Scholarship Application – Deadline: November 8, 2026

The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work is pleased to offer a limited number of scholarships to eligible Masters of Social Work (MSW) students who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing a social work career providing behavioral health care in primary care behavioral healthcare settings, serving medically underserved communities (MUCs), rural or Tribal communities or a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designated area,

Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), CLIMB@DU scholarships will cover half of awarded students’ tuition, up to $40,000 as well as the costs of required textbooks and tutoring support up to five (5) hours. In addition, the scholarship will cover the cost of university health insurance for eligible students.

We encourage you to apply for this special recognition and merit award if you meet the following criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants will receive full consideration for the CLIMB@ DU scholarship if they meet and check each individual criterion listed below.

Must reside in Colorado or the Four Corners Region [1].

Must be economically disadvantaged based on FASFA data and must have a current financial need.

Must currently be or will be [2] a GSSW concentration year or advanced standing student completing my concentration year internship in a setting that integrates behavioral health into primary care, is a MUC and/or is in a rural or Tribal community or in a designated HPSA designated area in Colorado or the Four Corners region [3] .

Must intend to pursue a career in clinical social work providing behavioral healthcare services in primary care, medically underserved, and/or rural or Tribal communities or in a designated HPSA designated area.

Must plan to work in Colorado or the Four Corners Region after completion of your MSW Program.

Must agree to provide DU-GSSW with post-graduate information upon request.

Must be enrolled as a full-time student and registered for at least 8 credits each quarter while receiving the scholarship.

[1] Students residing in the Four Corners Region must live within a reasonable driving distance of GSSW’s MSW program in Durango, CO.
[2] During the grant period scholarship to be awarded.
[3] https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/shortage-areas/

*** Only if all the criteria above are met should you proceed with the remainder of the application.

Student Application Information

DU ID

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Mobile Phone Number

Home Address

Which MSW program are you currently enrolled in? (Denver Campus MSW, MSW@Denver Online, Four Corners MSW or Western Colorado MSW)

Graduation Date

Internship Information

You must be completing your final internship and be on track to graduate from the MSW program in either June 2027 or August 2027.

Agency Name

Agency Address (site location)

Agency Onsite Supervisor

Agency Supervisor Email Address

Agency Supervisor Phone Number

Field Liaison Name

Anticipated Internship Start Date

Integrated behavioral health care blends care in one setting for medical conditions and related behavioral health factors that affect health and well-being. Typically, medical and behavioral health clinicians collaborate with each other and with patients and families to address health concerns identified during medical visits. Integrated behavioral health is found in primary care and in specialty settings, such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, and rehabilitation. Behavioral health clinicians often work right in the medical setting, or, if not onsite, are thoroughly integrated into the established procedures, team, and information systems. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Does your internship agency provide integrated behavioral health care services? Yes or No.

Do intend to pursue a career in clinical social work providing behavioral healthcare services in primary care, medically underserved, and/or rural or Tribal communities or in a designated HPSA designated area? Yes or No.

Do you plan to work in Colorado or the Four Corners Region after complete my MSW Program? Yes or No.

Internship Reflection Essays
Please use your own words and unique voice; AI- based assistance is not permitted.

What population(s) do(es) your internship agency serve? i.e. geographic area, socioeconomic status, demographics, health concerns etc. (maximum 2000 words)

Based on your understanding of Integrated Behavioral Health- either from your work experience, internship or your course experience thus far, write a reflection on the following:

What skills and strengths do you have that make Integrated Behavioral Health a good fit for you and aligns with you professionally? What are your areas of professional growth or development related to IBH that you would like to focus on in your internship? What is your ultimate career goal and where do you see yourself professionally in five years? (maximum 2000 words)

Financial Need

HRSA mandates that a FAFSA application is submitted and this scholarship be awarded to students with significant financial need. Please answer the following questions to help us better understand your financial situation.

What is your monthly household income after taxes?

How many people currently reside in your home and are supported by this income?

Financial Need Essay

Please provide detailed information regarding your current financial situation. Share any relevant financial information or extenuating circumstances about any specific financial hardship you are currently experiencing. Explain how receiving this scholarship will help you financially, impact your learning and ultimately, your career trajectory.

I certify that my application responses are entirely my own work, without the use of AI-based assistance.

I acknowledge and agree.

By submitting this application, you acknowledge and agree that deidentified data from this application will be shared with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as a part of grant reporting requirements.

I acknowledge and agree.