Investing in the Future of Counseling: Celebrating Our 2025 CounselingSchools.com Scholarship Recipient

We are proud to announce the winner of the inaugural CounselingSchools.com Scholarship: Hannah Hodge, a psychology and counseling student at Johnson & Wales University – Charlotte. Hannah’s journey reflects her deep curiosity about human behavior, her dedication to education, and her vision for supporting children through counseling.

“I’ve always wanted to learn how people operate—it feels like there’s more to it than what we see. Starting out in psychology, I was intrigued by the diagnoses, the science, and how people manage different challenges. Once I took my first psychology class with an amazing professor, I knew this was what I wanted to pursue,” Hannah shared.

For Hannah, the scholarship provides meaningful support during a demanding time as both a student and athlete. “For me, the scholarship is heaven-sent. I’m very grateful. Even with other awards, I still have out-of-pocket expenses, and this scholarship does wonders for me. It helps me worry less about running around to jobs and focus more on my studies.”

Hannah’s studies have already been marked by distinction. Last semester, she received the prestigious Pioneers Award from her department, recognition of her academic achievement and ability to balance athletics with her coursework. “Being able to manage both and receive such a high honor showed me I’m on the right path in pursuing psychology and counseling.”

She chose Johnson & Wales University – Charlotte not only for its location and strong psychology program, but also for the dedication of its faculty. “My professors bring real-world counseling experience to the classroom while also teaching, and that’s something I admire. It showed me you can do two things at once—serve in the field and guide the next generation.”

Looking ahead, Hannah sees the scholarship as a springboard for her career goals. “This award is the starting point for me to elevate further and find my niche. I’ve always been drawn to counseling, especially children’s counseling, since I work with kids already. Combining those passions is where I see myself making a difference.”

Hannah also offers advice for future students considering psychology and counseling: “It’s a learning process. As you study, you discover more not only about the field but also about yourself. That journey is part of what makes counseling such a rewarding path.”

At CounselingSchools.com, we believe strongly in supporting the growth of counseling professionals who will shape healthier communities for the future. With demand for mental health services on the rise nationwide, there has never been a more critical time to invest in students like Hannah.

This $2,500 award is part of our commitment to fostering the development of skilled, compassionate, and dedicated counseling professionals. The scholarship was open to students in U.S.-based accredited psychology and counseling programs who had completed at least one semester of study. Applicants were asked to share their motivations for entering the field, their educational and career goals, and reflections on their learning experience.

By supporting students like Hannah Hodge, we are helping to ensure that the next generation of counselors has the tools, confidence, and resources to succeed.

For more information about our scholarship opportunities and to learn more about how we support counseling education, please visit our scholarship page.

As the need for counseling continues to grow, CounselingSchools.com is honored to support students who commit their lives to guiding and supporting others. Congratulations again to Hannah Hodge, our first CounselingSchools.com Scholarship Recipient, and to all of our applicants who show the passion and resilience that define this important profession.