Empowering tomorrow’s leaders in the counseling profession
The Virginia Counselors Association Foundation proudly offers the Pete Warren Student Fellows Scholarship annually.
One of the foundation’s signature opportunities, it’s designed to support and recognize exceptional graduate students enrolled in counselor education programs in Virginia who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to the counseling profession.
Learn more and apply
2026 applications will be accepted between Jan. 5 and March 1.
Prospective applicants can download the scholarship materials and instructions for submission below:
For questions about the scholarship or application process, please contact:
Linda Grubba • vcalindagrubba@gmail.com
About the scholarship
Named in honor of D.L. “Pete” Warren, an early leader in the foundation’s history, this scholarship aims to nurture future counseling professionals who exemplify academic achievement, ethical integrity and dedication to counseling in Virginia communities.
Warren was one of the five original founding directors of the Virginia Counselors Association Foundation and was a former president of VCA and the first VCA Executive Director, among other notable accomplishments.
Read more about Warren.
Selected Fellows are announced each spring and recognized at the Virginia Counselors Association Convention in the fall, which offers a platform for celebration, connection and professional visibility.
Who should apply
Graduate students who:
- Are currently enrolled in a counselor education program in Virginia.
- Are taking coursework during the semester of application submission.
- Demonstrate leadership potential in the counseling field and a commitment to serving communities within Virginia.
Benefits for fellows
Recipients of the Pete Warren Student Fellows Scholarship receive a comprehensive support package designed to advance their professional growth, including:
- Paid membership in the Virginia Counselors Association for the fellowship year.
- Paid membership in the student’s VCA Chapter for the fellowship year.
- Paid membership in the student’s choice of one of VCA’s specialty Divisions for the fellowship year.
- Paid registration for the VCA Convention for the fellowship year.
- A $100 stipend, awarded after VCA Convention attendance.
- Paid registration for attendance at the VCA Leadership Academy for fellowship year.
- Recognition in VCA and VCAF publications and at the VCA Convention.
These benefits are intended to deepen fellows’ engagement with the profession and position them for leadership roles both during graduate study and beyond.
Application process & timeline
Applications typically open in January and are due around March 1 each year, with scholarship decisions communicated around the of the month.
Essays and supporting materials are reviewed by the VCAF board of directors and evaluated on criteria that include:
- Evidence of counseling profession leadership interest and experience.
- Desire to practice counseling in Virginia after graduation.
- Evidence of academic achievement in graduate school.
- Knowledge and application of critical ethical values for the counseling profession.
- Evidence of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.
- Quality of written expression, organization and appropriate grammar and mechanics.
Past recipients & impact
Since its inception, the Pete Warren Student Fellows Scholarship has supported dozens of future counselors from universities across Virginia, helping to launch meaningful careers in the profession.