Scholarship Opportunity for Certificate Program - The Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work

HomeScholarship Opportunity for Certificate Program

DEBORAH ZELITCH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY - Deadline to Submit 12/8/2025

PSCSW is pleased to offer 3 need-based scholarships of $700.00 each to PSCSW members for the 2026 Psychodynamic Clinical Certificate Program. This is a substantial contribution toward the full tuition for PSCSW members of $850, reflecting PSCSW’s interest in providing affordable training for our members. These scholarships are generously funded by the husband and children of Deborah Zelitch, LCSW, a long time PSCSW member. Deborah passed away in February, 2015 after a lengthy and courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. Sarah Gilman, LCSW, Deborah’s daughter, has been a PSCSW member.

Deborah was a dedicated clinician who worked for a number of agencies during her career, including Family Service of Philadelphia, Family Service of Burlington County, and the Renfrew Center, and then maintained a private practice in Bucks County for 20 years. Throughout her career, Deborah was dedicated to lifelong clinical learning and growth, actively participating in CE courses throughout her career, even as she struggled with balancing family, work, and significant health challenges. The purpose of these scholarships is to assist clinicians who are likewise invested in ongoing clinical growth.

SCHOLASHIP APPLICATION PROCESS - DUE 12/8/2025

The scholarships are need-based. Service to PSCSW is considered. The scholarships are open to social workers at any career stage: entry level, mid-career or later career.

Those interested in applying for a scholarship should:

Register for the Program.
Once registered for the program, apply for the scholarship no letter than December 8, 2025 via email (detailed information below) to: Leda Sportolari, Post Masters Programs Coordinator, lsportolari@gmail.com
Indicate "SCHOLARSHIP" in the subject line and attach the letter.
The applications will be reviewed and kept confidential by a small committee overseeing this process.
No late applications will be considered.
Applicants will be informed as to whether they have been awarded a scholarship by December 15th.

Letter Criteria (does not need to be long or formal); It MUST contain the following:

Contact Information
Interest in the Program (Why now? How do you see the program fitting in with your career goals and growth as a clinician?)
Involvement in and service to PSCSW
Financial Need. Generally describe your financial circumstances. The information will be kept confidential by those reviewing the application.
Signature (i.e., type your name at the end as a signature affirming the information provided is accurate)

For more information, contact Leda Sportolari, lsportolari@gmail.com