The Tara Ferrante Social Work Scholarship Fund has been established to honor Tara’s extraordinary dedication and commitment to the field of social work.
Tara Ferrante (1982-2024), a proud social worker and a beloved member of the (National Association of Social Workers) Connecticut Chapter, passed away in early 2024 after a long and heroic battle with cancer. Known for her passion, innovation, and tireless dedication, Tara’s legacy continues to inspire the social work community. She is the epitome of Perseverance. No challenge was a barrier for Tara.
Throughout her career, Tara made a profound impact as a therapist, particularly in her exceptional work with teenagers. She was an accomplished director of nonprofit organizations, introducing innovative approaches that transformed communities across Connecticut. Beyond her professional practice, Tara was a devoted educator at Southern Connecticut State University, where she taught social work courses, mentored students, and nurtured the next generation of social workers. Tara’s unwavering support for students and new social workers was unparalleled. She generously offered supervision, mentorship, and guidance, coordinating internship programs and taking countless individuals under her wing as they navigated their careers.
The Tara Ferrante Social Work Scholarship Fund will provide financial assistance to Master of Social Work (MSW) students, supporting their educational expenses and funding their membership in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). This membership ensures recipients have access to the professional resources that Tara valued deeply. Additionally, the fund will periodically cover the cost of NASW memberships for other MSW students, further promoting access to the valuable network and support NASW offers.
This fund is a testament to Tara’s legacy, established by her husband, Christopher Ferrante, and her longtime friend and colleague, Amy Di Mauro, in partnership with NASW. Together, we celebrate Tara’s life and her countless contributions to the field of social work.
Tara’s spirit will live on through every student and professional she inspires, with the scholarship serving as a lasting legacy. By supporting the next generation of social work leaders, it ensures Tara’s passion and dedication continue to shape the future of the profession.
Donations to this scholarship fund help cultivate the next generation of social work leaders, offering them valuable opportunities for professional growth and leadership through NASW. Click HERE to donate. (add link once created).
Eligibility
To be considered for the scholarship award, applicants MUST meet the following criteria:
- Be accepted to or enrolled in a CSWE accredited MSW program.
- Be a registered participant for the NASW-CT Annual Conference.
The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s college or university.
Selection and Recognition
The scholarship recipient will be selected through a raffle at the NASW-CT Annual Conference, with the recipient announced during the event.
Recipients may be recognized in one or more of the following ways:
- Public Acknowledgement: The recipient will be announced during the NASW-CT Annual Conference.
- Testimonial: The recipient may be asked to provide a brief quote about how the scholarship impacts their journey in social work.
For information on funding for NASW membership for BSW, MSW, or PhD/DSW students, please contact the NASW CT Chapter, 860-257-8066 or info.naswct@socialworkers.org.