Toni Johnson Scholars Program
Overview: Toni Johnson Scholars Program
The Toni Johnson Scholars Program supports BSW, MSW, and PhD students in the KU School of Social Welfare.
Through financial support, mentoring, leadership and professional development opportunities, the Toni Johnson Scholars Program aims to enhance community, retention and success for program scholars.
The Toni Johnson Scholars Program provides three programs for students in the KU School of Social Welfare.
- BSW Students: Toni Johnson Scholars ($3,000)
- MSW Students: Toni Johnson Scholars ($6,000)
- PhD Students: Toni Johnson Research Dissertation Award ($3,000)
About Toni Johnson
Dr. Toni Johnson was a member of the KU School of Social Welfare faculty from 2005-2016. As a practitioner, researcher and professor, Dr. Johnson committed her life to social , racial, and economic justice for youth and their families. In all aspects of her professional life--practitioner, researcher, and educator--Dr. Johnson aspired to be a social change agent to increase the inclusion and equity of all people, with a particular focus on African American Families. As the Director of the Multicultural Scholars Program, she devoted her energies to supporting and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. Driven by her dedication to supporting students within and outside the classroom, both formally and informally as a mentor, she played a pivotal role in inspiring the Vision, Values and Guiding Principles of the KU School of Social Welfare. Dr. Johnson also received the T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence in 2010 and the Gene A. and Gretchen Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2012. Beyond her professional contributions, she was fondly remembered as a community member who brought positive energy and was actively involved in community building.
Scholar Program Details
BSW Scholars receive an annual scholarship, mentoring and professional development opportunities.
Eligibility:
- This scholars program is open to all BSW students in the KU School of Social Welfare during the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Full-time and part-time BSW students are eligible from any KU campus/site.
- This program is open to all KU BSW students. Students of all backgrounds and lived experiences are encouraged to apply.
Program Details:
- Students who are admitted to the Toni Johnson Scholars program can remain in the program until BSW graduation without needing to re-apply, contingent on meeting program requirements and funding.
- BSW students at all levels are encouraged to apply. To promote inter-cohort relationships and program continuity, selection of scholars representing different years (first years, sophomores, juniors, seniors) in the program will be prioritized.
Program Requirements:
- Engage in 1:1 faculty mentoring with Co-directors, as needed or desired
- Engage in monthly peer group/MSW student mentoring
- Be an active and communicative member of the Toni Johnson Scholars community
- Maintain good academic standing to the extent that student can remain enrolled in the BSW program
- Engage with academic support as needed
- Participate in at least one personalized professional development opportunity annually
- Note: program requirements include flexibility in terms of virtual/phone/in-person meetings and in other ways
Benefits for Scholars:
- Faculty, peer, and MSW student mentoring
- Annual $3,000 scholarship ($1,500 per semester)
- Personalized professional development opportunities
- Expanded professional networks
How to Apply:
Current KU Bachelor of Social Work students will receive application instructions by email.
MSW Scholars receive an annual scholarship, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
Eligibility:
- This scholarship is open to all MSW students in the KU School of Social Welfare during the 2025-2026 academic year
- Full-time and part-time students are eligible from any MSW campus/site
- Students of all backgrounds and lived experiences are encouraged to apply
Program Details:
- BSW Toni Johnson Scholars who continue into the MSW program must reapply for the scholarship, as funding is not guaranteed. They will go through the same application process as other candidates.
Program Requirements:
- Work with a faculty mentor on a research project and present on the research at the end of the year.
- Engage in 1:1 faculty mentoring with Co-directors, as needed or desired
- Engage in monthly peer group/MSW student mentoring
- Be an active and communicative member of the Toni Johnson Scholars community
- Maintain good academic standing to the extent that student can remain enrolled in the MSW program
- Engage with academic support as needed
- Participate in at least one personalized professional development opportunity annually
- Note: program requirements include flexibility in terms of virtual/phone/in-person meetings and in other ways
Benefits for Scholars:
- Faculty and peer mentoring
- 1:1 research mentorship with a faculty member
- Annual $6,000 scholarship ($3,000 per semester)
- Personalized professional development opportunities
- Expanded professional networks
How to Apply:
Current KU Master of Social Work students will also receive application instructions by email.
The Toni Johnson Research Dissertation Award provides financial support for one or more PhD students engaged in dissertation research pertaining to racial justice.
Eligibility:
- Details for the 2025-2026 program will be shared with current KUSSW PhD students by email
Program Details:
- One or more PhD students will be awarded up to $3,000 for one academic year
- Funds should be used to pay for research activities, defined broadly (software, participant incentives, access to secondary data, transcription, travel funds, etc.)
- Funds can be used for pilot data prior to dissertation proposal; however, priority will be given to students who propose to use awarded funds for dissertation research
Awardee Benefits:
- Financial support for dissertation research
- Award for CV/resume
- Affiliation with the Toni Johnson Center
How to Apply:
Current SSW PhD students will receive application instructions by email.
2024-2025 Toni Johnson Scholar Recipients
The Toni Johnson Center has selected 14 School of Social Welfare students as a part of the Toni Johnson Scholars Program for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Toni Johnson Scholars BSW Award:
- Xavier Noriega
- Lexi Whitson
- Leah Loura
- William Williams
- Cole Harred
- Shaza Al-Kassim
- Yareli Ortiz
- Payton Smith
- Selena Reno
- Nandhini Sachithanandham
Toni Johnson Scholars MSW Award:
- Virginia De La Rosa
- Tracy Yang
Toni Johnson Scholars Research Dissertation Award:
- Michelle Ridley
- Omowunmi Olaleye
Traci Dotson - MSW recipient
“Wow, this is actually exactly who I am,” Dotson said. “These are my people.”
Olivia Sourivong - BSW recipient
Ultimately, social work is about helping people. Sourivong said: “That could also be me.”
Our Scholars
"As a Toni Johnson Scholar, I have the opportunity to sharpen my knowledge and skills to reach my full potential as a social justice advocate." - Kristine Avelluto
"As a Toni Johnson Scholar recipient, I know I have the resources and support to navigate the adversities associated with college. Additionally, I have a spotlight to exercise my passions and enhance my community." - Xavier N.
"As a Toni Johnson scholar, I am grateful to receive a community that supports me in my social work journey. I am connected with current and graduated students who all bring a different element of social work to the table. Together we help each other be successful and educated through our different experiences and perspectives." - Laura Gutierrez
"As a Toni Johnson scholar I am supported, seen, and guided through college." - Lexi Whitson