Toni Johnson Scholars Program

Overview and Program Purpose

The Toni Johnson Scholars Program cultivates the next generation of social work leaders. Scholars don't just enter the social work profession; they're prepared to shape it.

Through mentorship, professional development, networking and financial support, the program creates a space of community and belonging that becomes a springboard for students' professional growth and long-term success in social work. 

All undergraduate and master's students in the KU School of Social Welfare are eligible to apply.

About Dr. Toni Johnson

The Toni Johnson Scholars Program carries forward the legacy of Dr. Toni Johnson, a beloved colleague who dedicated her life to equity, inclusion and justice for all people, with a focus on African American youth and families. At the KU School of Social Welfare, Dr. Johnson championed community building, student mentorship and grounding this work in social work values.

Program Highlights

The Toni Johnson Scholars Program supports BSW, MSW, and PhD students in the KU School of Social Welfare.

Through mentorship, professional development, research opportunities and financial support, the Toni Johnson Scholars Program aims to enhance community, retention and success for program scholars.

Mentorship

Toni Johnson Scholars co-directors provide close, sustained and hands-on mentorship for program participants, with genuine investment in each scholar's journey.

Student scholars build meaningful relationships with Toni Johnson Center faculty affiliates, and have opportunities to connect with faculty mentors outside the classroom.

Professional Development

Guest speakers and panels featuring KU School of Social Welfare faculty, staff, doctoral students and alumni encourage Toni Johnson Scholars students to envision and carry out the next phase of their social work careers.

Professional development may include:

• Students beginning to see themselves as emerging social work professionals
• Learning from career trajectories of alumni and doctoral students
• Developing mentorship networks
• Considering next steps in their education and careers
• Preparing applications and cover letters for jobs, graduate school or other opportunities

Building Community and Professional Networks

A supportive cohort of student scholars provides a platform for belonging.

Students at different stages in their journey share knowledge and strategies and celebrate successes as they navigate academic and professional settings.

Scholars also connect with alumni and social work professionals, building a network that supports their long-term professional development.

Research

MSW students in the Toni Johnson Scholars Program engage in social work research with mentorship from a faculty member in their area.

MSW scholar research projects run for a full academic year. Students gain hands-on experience in scholarship, build their research identity, and contribute meaningfully to the intellectual life of the KU School of Social Welfare.

Financial Support

Students in the Toni Johnson Scholars Program receive an annual scholarship. 

This financial support helps highly motivated students stay enrolled and focus on their studies in the Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work program.

Program Outcomes

The Toni Johnson Scholars Program supports student retention and success in their social work education.

Highlighted outcomes include:

• Belonging: Students experience an increased sense of belonging with one another, faculty and the KU School of Social Welfare community, encouraging connection to their studies and the social work profession.
• Graduate school acceptance: Toni Johnson Scholars students have been accepted into and received financial support from top MSW programs at the KU School of Social Welfare and across the U.S.
• Community: A community of fellow scholars, co-directors, faculty affiliates and alumni that stays connected after graduation.
• Connections: Scholars know who they can ask for insight as they navigate the next phase of their careers, and are prepared to reach out.
• Research mentorship: MSW scholars often remain connected with the research mentors from the KU School of Social Welfare faculty. Students have attended research conferences and continued to work with faculty mentors on research after the program ended.