Rodney Benson Scholarship
Honoring a Legacy of Service and Leadership
The Rodney Benson Scholarship was established in memory of Rodney James Benson, a founding member and early officer of OCD Midwest. Rodney was instrumental in the creation and success of our Chicago-based consult groups, where his leadership, dedication, and vision helped many individuals and families impacted by OCD. His legacy lives on through this scholarship, aimed at supporting graduate students and new clinicians in the mental health field who share his passion for treating OCD and anxiety.
Scholarship Overview
The Rodney Benson Scholarship is designed to assist new clinicians and graduate students pursuing degrees in mental health fields, with a focus on OCD and anxiety treatment. The scholarship will provide financial support for attendance at one of three major OCD-related conferences: ADAA, IOCDF, or ABCT.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Full conference registration for ADAA, IOCDF, or ABCT.
- A $500 stipend for travel expenses (subject to review).
IMPORTANT DATES
Application Deadline:
March 1
Scholarship Award Notification:
March 15
Conference Reimbursement:
If the winner chooses to attend ADAA in April, the scholarship will be provided as reimbursement for registration and travel expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate program in a mental health field within the past 5 years.
Ex. Master's in Counseling, Social Work, MFT, or Doctoral degrees like PhD or PsyD
Geographic Requirements
Applicants must be residents of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, or Ohio
Applicants must have plans to remain in the region to practice or relocate there upon graduation
Career
Focus
Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in treating OCD and anxiety disorders.
Applicants display a commitment to advancing their skills through their academic and professional pursuits.
Application Requirements
To apply, candidates should submit the following:
1. Letter of Interest:
A detailed letter describing the applicant's career goals, specifically related to treating OCD and anxiety disorders.
The letter should outline how the scholarship will assist in achieving these goals.
2. Conference Choice and Justification:
A detailed letter describing the applicant's career goals, specifically related to treating OCD and anxiety disorders.
The letter should outline how the scholarship will assist in achieving these goals.
Apply Now
To apply for the Rodney Benson Scholarship, please submit your completed application by the deadline. For more information or if you need assistance with the application process, please contact us.
Learn More About Rodney James Benson
Rodney was a beloved leader in the OCD community and a tireless advocate for those affected by OCD. As one of the earliest members and officers of OCD Midwest, Rodney helped lay the foundation for what the organization has become today.
His work was essential in fostering a collaborative environment for mental health professionals, particularly through the development of our Chicago-based consult groups. His impact continues to inspire those in the field, and through this scholarship, his work will support future leaders in mental health.
To read more about Rodney’s life, you can view his full obituary here.