The Wisconsin School Psychologists Association (WSPA) proudly offers the Elizabeth Lindley Woods Scholarship Award in recognition of the foundational contributions of Elizabeth Lindley Woods to the profession of school psychology in Wisconsin.

 

Appointed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in 1917, Elizabeth Lindley Woods became Wisconsin’s first public school psychologist. Her work established the foundation of the profession in the state. Woods was deeply committed to identifying and supporting students with exceptional needs, collaborating with educators to design effective educational programs, and strengthening teacher preparation to ensure all children received appropriate support.

 

This scholarship honors her legacy by recognizing a graduate student who demonstrates commitment to professional excellence, collaboration and service to students in Wisconsin schools. 

 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. Be a current WSPA member.

2. Be enrolled and in good standing in a Wisconsin school psychology graduate training program leading to initial certification as a school psychologist. 

3. Indicate an intention to practice in Wisconsin following completion of internship (preference given to applicants planning to serve in Wisconsin schools for at least one academic year).

 

Application Materials

• Resume

• Transcript

• Essay 

• Letter(s) of Recommendation (optional)

 

Essay

Applicants must submit a 750-1,000 word essay responding to the following prompt:

 

Elizabeth Lindley Woods helped establish the profession of school psychology in Wisconsin through her dedication to supporting students with exceptional needs and working collaboratively with educators. Reflect on the qualities and values that you believe are essential for effective school psychologists today and describe how you hope to demonstrate those qualities in your future work with students, families, and schools in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin School Psychologists Association (WSPA) Representation in School Psychology Scholarship is designed to support and encourage increased representation of historically underrepresented groups within the profession of school psychology.

 

This scholarship recognizes graduate students whose lived experiences, identities and perspectives contribute to strengthening culturally responsive practice, advancing equitable systems and fostering positive school climates across Wisconsin.

 

WSPA aligns this scholarship with the spirit of the National Association of School Psychologist (NASP) scholarship framework and uses federal definitions of minority groups as general guidance in identifying historically underrepresented populations in the field. 

 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. Be a current WSPA student member.

2. Be enrolled in a Wisconsin school psychology graduate program at the time of application and award presentation (newly admitted students are eligible and encouraged to apply). 

3. Self-identify as belonging to a historically underrepresented racial or ethnic group as defined by federal guidelines.

 

Self-Identification

 

By submitting an application, applicants affirm that they meet the eligibility criteria, including self-identification within one of the recognized groups. 

 

Application Materials

• Resume

• Transcript

• Essay 

• Letter(s) of Recommendation (optional)

 

Essay

Applicants must submit a 750-1,000 word essay responding to the following prompt:

 

Describe how your personal background, community, or experiences have influenced your desire to pursue school psychology. How do you hope your presence and perspective will positively impact students, families, school communities that have historically been underserved, and the overall field of school psychology?