Awards & Scholarships
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized by the National Organization for Human Services? NOHS awards, scholarships, and a research grant are presented to students, educators, and practitioners for their noteworthy leadership, advocacy, scholarship, and excellence. Please consider nominating yourself or acknowledging someone else for their outstanding work by nominating them for one of our numerous awards.
Nomination Deadlines for all awards:Â
September 1, 2025
Evaluation Criteria:Â
Applications will be assessed according to the evaluation criteria for each award and will undergo an in-depth review by the awards committee. All nomination materials should be submitted electronically to the Awards Committee using the 2024 Awards & Scholarship Form. If you experience any questions or technical issues, please email info@nationalhumanservices.org with the subject line NOHS Awards.
Award Presentation:
Award will be presented during the annual NOHS conference, where the recipient will be honored in front of peers and leaders from the human services community. The ceremony will highlight the recipient's contributions and their impact on the field, serving as an inspiration for continued excellence and dedication within the human services profession.
Descriptions of the Scholarships, Awards, and Research Grant
I.
The Outstanding Leadership in Human Services Award honors a member of the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) who exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities in the human services field. This award is presented to a student, educator, or professional who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, compassion, and leadership in enhancing the quality of life for individuals in need. Recipients are recognized for building strong relationships with clients, effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and making a significant, positive impact on the world through their work.
Eligibility:
- Membership Requirement: Nominees must be current, active members of the National Organization for Human Services at the time of the award presentation
- Roles: Open to students, educators, and professionals within the human services field, acknowledging the varied contributions across different stages of career and education.
- Leadership and Initiative: Nominees should have demonstrated significant leadership by initiating and leading projects or programs that align with the goals of human services and have a documented positive impact.
- Collaborative Spirit: Candidates should exhibit a proven track record of effective collaboration with peers, multidisciplinary teams, and stakeholders to deliver comprehensive services and programs.
- Advocacy: A strong commitment to advocacy for vulnerable populations and empowers individuals to overcome challenges, leading to tangible improvements in policies or services.
- Mentorship and Development: Active involvement in mentoring and professional development within their community or organization, significantly aiding in the growth of others in the field.
- Ethical Standards: Adherence to the highest ethical standards in all professional endeavors, as outlined by NOHS.
Nomination Process:
- Nominees can be proposed by peers, supervisors, or through self-nomination.
Submission requirements
- A completed nomination form
- Letters of Nomination
- Primary Nomination Letter: Written by the nominator, this letter should detail the reasons for nominating the individual, emphasizing their leadership qualities, achievements, and impact on the human services field.
- Supporting Letters: At least two additional letters from colleagues, supervisors, clients, or students who can provide further insights into the nominee’s contributions and character. These letters should offer diverse perspectives on the nominee’s influence and effectiveness.
- Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- A current resume or CV that outlines the nominee’s professional and academic history, highlighting relevant experiences, positions held, special projects, and any previous awards or recognitions.
- Photograph of the Nominee
- A professional photograph of the nominee for use in the awards ceremony presentation and related communications.
- A 150 word max brief biography
- Optional Supporting Material: Any additional materials that could strengthen the nomination, including but not limited to:
- Documentation of Projects and Initiatives: Descriptions and outcomes of specific projects or initiatives led by the nominee that demonstrate their leadership and impact.
- Media and Publications: Copies of any publications, research articles, or presentations that showcase the nominee’s thought leadership and contributions to the field.
- Testimonials or Impact Statements: Statements from individuals or communities benefited from the nominee’s work, illustrating the real-world impact of their efforts.
II.
The Outstanding Human Services Student Award recognizes an exceptional student member of the National Organization for Human Services who has made significant contributions to the field of human services while pursuing their degree. This award celebrates the dedication, innovation, and impact of students who demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing human services practice, theory, or research during their academic journey.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Membership Requirement: Nominees must be current, active student members of NOHS at the time of nomination.
- Academic Standing: Nominees must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program related to human services during the nomination year.
- Contribution to the Field: Demonstrated significant contributions to human services through research, practice, service projects, or innovative implementations.
- Nominations: Students must be nominated by an individual in a professional capacity, such as college or university faculty, or an employee of a social services organization. Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Academic and Professional Integrity: Exhibits high ethical standards and integrity in both academic and practice-based activities.
Submission Requirements:
- A completed nomination form.
- Letter of Nomination:
- A comprehensive letter from the nominator is required, which should introduce the student, describe the relationship between the student and the nominator, and discuss the student’s significant contributions to the field of human services. The letter should include specific examples of the nominee’s work such as projects, research, or service initiatives, and explain why the student merits recognition according to the award’s criteria like impact, innovation, and leadership.
- Letters of Support
- At least one additional letter of support is required from another faculty member, professional in the field, or community leader. This letter should confirm the student’s contributions and character, provide additional insights into the student’s impact and professional demeanor, and highlight any relevant achievements not covered in the primary nomination letter.
- Supporting Documentation: This may include, but is not limited to:
- Project Summaries: Brief descriptions of key projects the student has worked on, including goals, processes, outcomes, and personal contributions.
- Research Papers or Publications: Copies or summaries of relevant academic work that has contributed to the field.
- Presentation Materials: Slides, posters, or videos from presentations at conferences, workshops, or community meetings.
- Evidence of Leadership and Participation: Documentation or descriptions of the student’s roles in academic groups, clubs, or external organizations relevant to human services.
- Personal Statement from the Nominee (Optional)
- A personal statement from the nominee can also be included, which should discuss their passion for human services, their future aspirations in the field, and how their education and experiences have influenced their approach to human services.
III.
The Community Activism Award celebrates the outstanding contributions of individuals, groups, or organizations that have demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice and have made significant impacts in their local, state, regional, national, or international communities. This award recognizes those who tirelessly advocate for equity, engage in activism, and inspire others to improve society through concerted, meaningful actions.
Purpose
- Promote Social Justice in Human Services: Celebrate the efforts of those dedicated to integrating social justice principles within human services practices, emphasizing actions that lead to equitable access to resources and services.
- Recognize Impactful Community Work: Acknowledge and honor significant contributions to social justice that align with the core values of human services, such as dignity, respect, and the importance of human relationships.
- Inspire Continued Advocacy and Action: Motivate human services professionals and organizations to adopt and advance practices that foster social justice and community well-being.
Eligibility:
- Participant Criteria: Open to any individual, group, or organization that is actively involved in social justice initiatives directly related to the human services field.
- Nomination Requirements: Nominees must be nominated by a National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) member in good standing, who can attest to the nominee's contributions to human services.
- Demonstrated Impact: Nominees should have a proven track record of impactful activism that has promoted social justice within the scope of human services.
Submission Requirements:
- Description of Contributions: Provide a detailed narrative that outlines the nominee’s efforts in social justice, including specific human services projects, initiatives, or campaigns.
- Evidence of Impact: Submit documentation such as project reports, testimonials, media coverage, or letters of support that demonstrate the nominee’s influence and achievements in the human services sector.
- Endorsement Letter: Include a letter from the NOHS member nominating the individual, group, or organization, highlighting their commitment to social justice in human services.
IV.
The Human Services Innovation Research Grant provides financial support to students, educators, and professionals engaged in research that promises to significantly enhance the field of human services. With a focus on innovative approaches, this $1,500 grant opportunity aims to fund small-scale research projects that advance academic knowledge, inspire practical applications, and foster new solutions to complex challenges affecting communities.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be current members of the National Organization for Human Services.
- Open to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and human services professionals.
- Research must be relevant to human services and feasible to complete within a 12-month timeline.
Submission Requirements:
- Proposal Document: Outline the research objectives, rationale for the study, methodology, expected outcomes, and a detailed budget.
- Curriculum Vitae: Include an up-to-date CV detailing academic and professional experience.
- Letter of Recommendation: A recommendation from a faculty advisor (if the applicant is a student) or professional in the field endorsing the applicant's research capability.
Reporting and Publication Requirements
- Progress Reports: All award recipients are required to submit a mid-year progress report and a final report detailing their research findings and the status of their project.
- Dissemination of Findings: Recipients must either present their research findings at a recognized conference or publish them in a reputable journal within 24 months of receiving the grant. This requirement aims to ensure that the research contributes to the broader field and community dialogue.
V.
The Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Grant offers financial support to students engaged in research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. This $500 grant is designed to encourage and facilitate academic research collaborations between students and faculty, supporting projects that contribute to the student’s educational growth and advance the field.
Objectives
- Support Student Research Initiatives: Provide financial resources to facilitate student-led research projects, enhancing academic and professional development.
- Foster Mentorship: Encourage meaningful collaborations between students and faculty, ensuring mentor-guided research experiences that enrich the student’s learning.
- Promote Academic Achievement: Support projects that contribute significantly to the field of human services or related disciplines, with the potential for future presentations or publications.
- Encourage Applied Learning: Enable students to bridge theoretical knowledge and practical application through hands-on research experiences.
Eligibility
- Student Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in human services or a closely related field.
- Faculty Mentorship: Students must be working under the supervision of a faculty member who will act as a mentor, providing guidance and support throughout the research project.
- Project Relevance: Research projects must be relevant to human services or a closely related academic discipline, with clear objectives and outcomes that align with the grant's goals.
- NOHS Membership: Both the student applicant and the faculty mentor must be current members of the National Organization for Human Services.
Submission Requirements:
- Project Proposal: A comprehensive proposal that outlines the research question, rationale for the study, methodology, expected outcomes, and project timeline.
- Budget Outline: A detailed budget demonstrating how the grant funds will be utilized within the scope of the research project.
- Mentor Endorsement: A letter of endorsement from the faculty mentor, confirming their commitment to the project and detailing their mentoring role.
 Reporting and Presentation Requirements:
- Progress Reporting: Grant recipients are required to submit a mid-project report and a final comprehensive report, outlining their research progress, findings, and any challenges encountered.
- Dissemination of Findings: Recipients are required to present their findings at a student conference or pursue publication in an academic journal relevant to human services, ideally within 12 months of completing the project. All student recipients will be invited to the NOHS annual conference to showcase their research findings and discuss the impacts of their work. and will receive a complimentary conference admission.
VI.
The Human Services Spirit of Service Scholarship recognizes and supports a student who exemplifies a profound commitment to the human services field through active community service and engagement. This $500 scholarship acknowledges the student’s dedication to serving and uplifting communities, reflecting the spirit of service that is central to the human services profession. This scholarship recognizes students who go above and beyond in their service efforts, setting a standard of excellence and commitment within the human services field. It celebrates those who not only participate in but lead initiatives that make significant differences in their communities.
Eligibility:
- NOHS Membership: Applicants must be current student members in good standing of the National Organization for Human Services.
- Student Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in human services or a closely related field.
- Proven Community Service: A demonstrated history of significant service involvement, with a focus on projects that have clear benefits for community well-being. This includes leadership in service initiatives, development of service projects, or significant volunteer contributions.
Submission Requirements:
- Scholarship Application Form: Complete and submit the official scholarship application form.
- Essay Submission: A 500-word essay describing the applicant’s dedication to community service, the impact of their activities, and how the scholarship will aid in their future human services endeavors.
- Academic Transcript: Provide a current academic transcript as proof of enrollment and academic standing.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least two letters of recommendation from faculty advisors or community leaders recommending the student for the award and detailing the applicant’s commitment to service and character.
Evaluation Criteria:Â
-
Applications will be assessed based on the depth of community service, relevance to human services, and demonstrated leadership qualities.
VII.
The Tau Upsilon Alpha Excellence in Scholarship and Service Award is designed to recognize and support a student member of Tau Upsilon Alpha who has shown outstanding achievement in academic scholarship and dedicated service to their community. This $750 scholarship acknowledges a student's commitment to the values of Tau Upsilon Alpha and their efforts towards enhancing the common good through active community engagement.
Purpose:
- Recognize Excellence: Honor Tau Upsilon Alpha student members who exemplify exceptional scholarship and community service.
- Support Educational Goals: Provide financial support to aid recipients in continuing their education in human services or related fields.
- Promote Community Engagement: Encourage students to engage in activities that benefit the common good and align with Tau Upsilon Alpha’s mission of fostering excellence in human services.
Eligibility:
- Membership Requirement: Applicants must be active student members of Tau Upsilon Alpha, either at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level.
- Academic Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in a human services program.
- Community Service: Demonstrated active involvement in Tau Upsilon Alpha as well as community service activities that contribute to the common good.
Submission Requirements:
- Scholarship Application Form: Complete the official Tau Upsilon Alpha scholarship application form.
- Academic Transcript: Submit a current academic transcript showing good standing in a human service-related program.
- Personal Statement: A 500-word essay detailing the applicant’s commitment to Tau Upsilon Alpha’s mission, their community service activities, and how the scholarship will support their educational and professional goals.
- Letter of Recommendation: At least one letter of recommendation from a faculty member or community leader familiar with the applicant’s service and academic efforts.
Selection Process:
- Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on academic achievement, depth of community service, alignment with Tau Upsilon Alpha’s mission, and the impact of the scholarship on the applicant’s educational pursuits.