Advocacy Scholars
Advocacy Scholars
Turn your cause into action.
Create change. Build your skills. Earn a scholarship.
Are you a social work major who is passionate about a community, population or cause? The Advocacy Scholars Program gives BASW and MSW students the opportunity to deepen their advocacy skills through a hands-on, student-led project and earn up to a $2,000 scholarship.
Selected scholars join a cohort of changemakers, receive mentorship throughout the academic year and present their work at the annual Advocacy Scholars Event in March.
Who should apply
For students ready to make a focused impact.
The program is designed for:
- BASW and MSW students who care deeply about a cause, agency or community
- Students looking to build tangible advocacy skills
- Students who want to make a real impact in a short amount of time
Design a project that reflects your values.
You may collaborate with your field placement, focus on another organization or community, or work on an issue at MSU. The program gives you room to shape a project around your interests while keeping its scope manageable.
Project examples
Advocacy grounded in real communities and needs.
Past Advocacy Scholars have addressed a wide range of issues through practical, community-facing projects.
Project possibilities
Choose a format that moves your idea forward.
- Build an advocacy campaign around a current law, bill or policy
- Evaluate a program or service targeting a specific population
- Create a toolkit, manual or resource guide for an agency or community
- Conduct a needs assessment for a local organization
- Design an advocacy guide or public education campaign
- Lead or support a social media or marketing initiative
- Assess the accessibility and inclusivity of agency materials
Program details
What to expect and how to apply.
Open each section for program benefits, application guidance, frequently asked questions and reflections from previous scholars.
What to expect
What you’ll gain
- Up to a $2,000 scholarship
- A dedicated mentor to support your work
- A cohort of fellow student advocates
- A seminar series led by policy advocacy leaders from diverse backgrounds
- The opportunity to present your project at the Advocacy Scholars Event in March
Program timeline
- Proposal deadline: April 30
- Cohort kickoff: September
- Monthly check-ins and speaker series: Ongoing evening sessions
- Advocacy Scholars Showcase Event: March
Ready to apply?
Submit your proposal and take the first step toward becoming an Advocacy Scholar.
Tips for a strong proposal
- If you are in a field placement or internship, talk with program or agency staff about a project that could support and advance their work.
- If you are involved in a registered student organization, student group or campus initiative, consider partnering with them to strengthen and expand their impact.
- Consider where you see gaps in resources, education or services and what legislation may be under consideration related to the issue.
- Keep the project manageable so it can be completed before the Advocacy Scholars Showcase Event in March.
Application FAQs, scholar reflections and gallery
Who can apply?
This experience is for primary social work majors, including upper-level admits in the BASW and MSW programs.
What should I include in the project description?
Briefly explain your project, the population or social issue you will focus on and the overall goal. Indicate whether you intend to raise awareness, evaluate a program, create a resource or pursue another outcome.
What is a deliverable?
A deliverable is the outcome or product of your project. It could be an advocacy plan, campaign, meeting, training, guide, event, evaluation, social media plan or another resource you create and share.
Who are the stakeholders?
Stakeholders are the people, groups or organizations that will be affected by your project. They might include your field site, a specific community, students, staff or other relevant audiences.
Does my project have to be tied to my field placement?
No, although it can be and that may make implementation easier. You may develop a project connected to your field work or choose another organization or community you care about.
What if I need help developing an idea?
Focus on one issue you care about and consider topics encountered in classes, field placement, student groups or personal experience. You may contact Kelley Blanck to brainstorm ideas and receive support.
Can I work with someone else on my project?
Projects are designed to be completed individually, but collaboration with organizations or peers is encouraged when it supports your advocacy goals. You remain responsible for submitting and presenting your own project.
Need help developing your idea? Contact Kelley Blanck at kblanck@msu.edu.
What past Advocacy Scholars are saying
“Joining the Social Work Advocacy program helped me develop several important skills. One of the most meaningful was learning how to find and use my voice to speak up about an issue I’m passionate about. I also learned how to turn that passion into action.”
“Another valuable part of the experience was connecting with other advocates. It created a space where we could support each other, collaborate and build off one another’s energy.”
“Through the program, I gained more confidence in using my voice for advocacy and became more comfortable discussing my passions with others. It was an experience that I’m so beyond grateful for.”
Skills and knowledge gained by Advocacy Scholars
- Confidence using evidence to support advocacy efforts
- Experience addressing systemic gaps and barriers
- Communication and outreach strategies
- Skills for translating knowledge into community-facing presentations
- Deeper knowledge of personal and professional interests
- Stronger connection to the social work profession
- Community-building and collaboration experience
- Insight into program and resource development
- Research and evaluation skills
- Experience designing and conducting surveys
Gallery
Take the next step
Bring your advocacy project to life.
Submit your proposal to join a cohort of student changemakers, strengthen your advocacy practice and create a project connected to the issues that matter to you.