Professional Counseling Scholarship Fund

With your help, this project can fund annual scholarships to support the academic pursuits of graduate students in the Department of Professional Counseling by offering a $1,000 scholarship to one or more recipients in the 2020-2021 academic year.

The Department of Professional Counseling, in collaboration with their active alumni organization Counseling Alumni Connection (CAC), aims to fund a scholarship for students through an array of targeted initiatives. These include online campaigns and providing information and opportunities to donate at the many professional development events facilitated by the department and CAC. The goal is to support academic pursuits for students currently enrolled in Professional Counseling degree programs, as well as for future students with the same zeal for helping others through counseling.

Our students are so passionate about their work, and they need your support. But don't take our word for it.

Two of our current Hawks wanted to share their personal Monmouth stories with all of you.

Caitlyn Bahrenburg

I found my way back to Monmouth University after graduating as a Hawk in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication. I spent the majority of my time after graduating working as a journalist and later moved into public relations. While I loved journalism and PR, I found myself wanting to do more to help people. I decided I would go back to school to do just that. Monmouth University’s graduate Clinical Mental Health Counseling program was the only program I applied to because I knew if I were to go back to school, I only wanted to be at Monmouth. I am currently in my third semester and have fallen in love with the work we do here at the graduate center. Earning my master’s degree in counseling is one of the most introspective, beautifully challenging, and transformative experiences of my life. I am constantly inspired by my professors and classmates; not a day goes by that I am not reminded why I am so passionate about this work. I am proud to be receiving my training as a counselor here at Monmouth University and am eager to employ everything I have learned as a licensed professional counselor.

Shelby Tortorello

My journey towards the field of counseling began in middle school when I first picked up a book about child development. I recall being filled with awe at the complexity of the human brain, while also coming to the realization that if I chose to, I could spend my life helping those who are hurting. As I progressed in my studies, I knew that obtaining a master’s degree would be a key component in realizing my dream of becoming a counselor, and sought to find the best program for me. Since enrolling in Monmouth’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, I have seen myself grow both personally and professionally. Monmouth has provided me with a supportive environment to cultivate my professional identity. I have fostered relationships with peers who have similar passions, allowing us to fuel each other as we pursue our educational goals. My professors have also been an integral part of my experience, as they have pushed me outside of my comfort zone while providing me with opportunities to progress in the field. The road to becoming a professional counselor is a vulnerable and challenging process, and I could not picture myself on this journey anywhere other than Monmouth University.