The Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program provides scholarships for full-time students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are enrolled in the Master of Science in Midwifery program at Bastyr University - including those from underrepresented racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic populations. The SDS program can help fund up to $40,000 per academic year in tuition, costs, and living expenses for eligible students who are awarded this scholarship.
Funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to the Bastyr Midwifery program, this program promotes diversity in the health professions while aiming to increase the number of graduates working in medically underserved and rural communities.
The priority deadline for applications for the 2022-23 Academic Year was June 1, 2022. Please contact the Department of Midwifery at domw@bastyr.edu with any questions.
Award Amount
- No less than half of the annual cost of tuition (which varies by year in the program)
- Up to $40,000 per academic year
- Award is renewable as long as grant funds remain available
These funds are available for several full-time students who meet the following federal criteria:
Basic Criteria/Eligibility Requirements***:
In order to qualify for this scholarship, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
- From an economically or educationally disadvantaged background (see below definitions)
- Demonstrate financial need of at least half the cost of tuition, as indicated on the FAFSA
- Enrolled full-time in the Midwifery program at Bastyr University
- Maintain good academic standing on a full-time basis in the Midwifery program
Educational disadvantage criteria:
- Graduating from a high school with any of the following (this information is usually found on a state’s Dept of Education website):
- Graduation rate <85%
- Free/reduced price lunch rate > 50%
- Per-pupil expenditure < $8000
- Designated as a Targeted Support & Improvement school, a Comprehensive Support & Improvement school or a National Board Challenging school
OR
Economic disadvantage criteria:
- An independent student, based on age >24 years and not listed on parental tax returns for 3 or more years, and an income below the annual HRSA low income thresholds for household size
***There are additional criteria for scholarship eligibility. Please download full list of requirements.
Eligibility does not guarantee a scholarship, as funding is limited.
The Bastyr Department of Midwifery commits to the ongoing work of creating an inclusive learning environment where student midwives feel welcomed, represented, and supported; where students learn to care for all families in a way that is culturally affirming and respectful; and where our commitment to social justice is woven into every facet of our program. While we will make mistakes, we are committed to the goal of a learning environment free from racism that is dedicated to social justice and a culturally versatile approach to maternal health care provision. Please see our Equity Statement for more information. Recipients of this scholarship will be directly involved in helping us move ever closer to this goal through regular surveys and other conversations where your feedback can be integrated into future updates.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $649,919 with zero percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
