Sweet Peach Tree iCARE4 Adoption Competency Scholarship for School Social Workers
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Sweet Peach Tree iCARE4 Adoption Competency Scholarship, a $500 annual scholarship (2025-2028) that supports passionate graduate students dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of adoptive, foster, and kinship children. Funded by Sweet Peach Tree and awarded by Founder Kate Shanahan in partnership with iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families, this scholarship will help equip future school social workers with the knowledge and skills they need to serve these unique student populations.
"As a mom and advocate, I know firsthand how vital it is for adoptive and foster families to feel truly seen and supported. School social workers are on the front lines, shaping the experiences of these families every day. Sweet Peach Tree is proud to fund the iCARE4 Adoption Competency Scholarship to help equip social workers with the tools and understanding they need. When we invest in those who support our families, we create a world where every child feels truly valued, loved, and celebrated."
Overview:
- $500 scholarship awarded annually (2025-2028)
- Funded by Sweet Peach Tree Marketplace, awarded by Founder Kate Shanahan, in partnership with iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families
- Supports graduate students specializing in the unique needs of adoptive, foster, and kinship students
Eligibility & Application Deadline:
- Open to Social Work graduate students in final year of grad school or internship in Illinois who complete the School-based Mental Health Training for Adoption Competency through Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) – www.adoptionsupport.org
- Application deadline for 2025:
- September 1, 2025 11:59 p.m. CST (applications received after that date will be automatically considered following year IF eligibility still applies)
- Apply through online application-upload documents in PDF format.
- NOTE: Portal will open shortly
Application Materials (due September 1, 2025):
- Student Applicant Resume
- Certificate of completion by of the free, evidence-informed, School-Based Mental Health Professional Training for Adoption Competency
- Letter of recommendation from a Clinical Supervisor, Fieldwork Supervisor, or Academic Instructor who is familiar with the applicant’s work, skills, and potential in the field of social work.
- Student applicant responses to the following three essay questions:
- Why are you interested in specializing in supporting adoptive, foster, and kinship children as a school social worker?
- How will the training enhance your ability to support students from diverse family backgrounds?
- Share an experience or perspective shaping your commitment to working with children/families in adoption, foster, or kinship care.
Selection Process:
- Applications sent to IASSW board committee September 2 for review, selecting three finalists by September 19, 2025.
- Final selection by iCARE board members and Kate Shanahan
- Winner announced and awarded a $500 check in October. Award date and location TBD
This scholarship is subject to availability and may be modified or discontinued at any time based on funding partner decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sweet Peach Tree iCARE4 Adoption Competency Scholarship?
The Sweet Peach Tree iCARE4 Adoption Competency Scholarship is an annual $500 scholarship (2025-2028) awarded to Social Work graduate students who are pursuing a career in school settings and are dedicated to enhancing their ability to support the unique needs of adoptive, foster, and kinship children.
Funded by Sweet Peach Tree and awarded by Founder Kate Shanahan in partnership with iCARE4 Adoptive and Foster Families, this scholarship aims to support the next generation of school social workers by providing financial assistance to help them better serve vulnerable students in educational settings.
What is the Purpose of the Scholarship?
The scholarship aims to equip future school social workers with the tools, knowledge, and training necessary to provide trauma-informed support to adopted, foster and kinship children, helping them thrive in educational settings. By funding this scholarship, Sweet Peach Tree and iCARE4 Adoptive and Foster Families seek to invest in social workers who will be on the front lines of supporting vulnerable children, leading to a more inclusive and supportive environment for students from diverse family backgrounds.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
This scholarship is open to Social Work graduate students in their final year of graduate school or internship in Illinois, who have completed the School-Based Mental Health Training for Adoption Competency through the Training Portal (C.A.S.E.).
What are the Application Materials Required?
To apply for the scholarship, candidates must submit the following materials:
- Student Applicant Resume
- Certificate of completion by of the free accredited School-Based Mental Health Professional Training for Adoption Competency
- Letter of recommendation from a Clinical Supervisor, Fieldwork Supervisor, or Academic Instructor who is familiar with the applicant’s work, skills, and potential in the field of social work.
- Student applicant responses to the following three essay questions:
- Why are you interested in specializing in supporting adoptive, foster, and kinship children as a school social worker?
- How will the training enhance your ability to support students from diverse family backgrounds?
- Share an experience or perspective shaping your commitment to working with children/families in adoption, foster, or kinship care.
When is the Application Deadline?
The application deadline for the 2025 scholarship is September 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted via the online portal and uploaded in PDF format.
How is the Scholarship Promoted?
The scholarship will be promoted through iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families and other organizations to Illinois social work graduate programs.
Social media promotion will begin in March 2025, in honor of National Social Work Month.
How is the Scholarship Winner Selected?
The scholarship applications will be reviewed by the iCARE scholarship committee. The final selection will be made by Kate Shanahan, Founder and CEO of Sweet Peach Tree.
When Will the Winner Be Announced and Awarded the Scholarship?
The scholarship winner will be announced in October 2025 and awarded a $500 check. The award date and location will be determined and shared closer to the time.