State Scholarships
The Midwest Consortium offers many opportunities for gambling and substance abuse professionals to attend the annual conference with a scholarship. We have several state partners that are able to offer scholarships as well. If you are interested in attending the annual conference, please view the list below for offerings in your State.
Iowa
Contact: Katrina Bee
katie.bee@idph.iowa.gov
*limited scholarships available; must be a provider in the State of Iowa
Kansas
Contact: Ronna Corliss
ronna.corliss@ks.gov
*must be a provider in the State of Kansas
Oklahoma
Contact: Wiley Harwell
wharwell@oapgg.org
*must be a provider in the State of Oklahoma.
Nebraska
Contact: David Geier
david.geier@nebraska.gov
*must be a provider in the State of Nebraska.
Missouri
Contact: Mark Rembecki
mark.rembecki@dmh.mo.gov
*must be a provider in the State of Missouri.
Port KC Problem Gambling Fund
Contact: Keith Spare
keithspare@aol.com
*must be a provider in the Kansas City metro area.
Joanna Franklin Memorial Scholarship
The Midwest Consortium on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse (MCPGSA) representing Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma is pleased to announce a scholarship opportunity for new professionals in the field of disordered gambling. The Consortium recognizes the need for a continuum of services, and we are pleased to provide a learning opportunity for a new professional who is currently working in prevention awareness and education, or clinical services, or research. This is an opportunity to learn from experts in the field and network with other professionals from across the country.
The Joanna Franklin Scholarship will be awarded to one professional who is new to the field of disordered gambling (less than three years) and who exhibits commitment, service, and potential success as a professional in this field.
You may apply for a scholarship in one of the following:
- The prevention scholarship can be awarded to the professional who is currently providing education and raising awareness about disordered gambling; or
- The clinical service scholarship can be awarded to the professional who is currently working in a social service agency with gambling clients or concerned others; or
- The academic research scholarship can be awarded to one professional who is enrolled in a graduate fellowship and currently conducting disordered gambling research within an academic institution.
This scholarship is in recognition and appreciation of Joanna Franklin’s contribution to the field.
Ms. Franklin was a brilliant pioneer in the field of problem gambling prevention and treatment. She was the first clinician hired by the first state-funded gambling treatment program. She treated problem gamblers and their families from 1979 until her death in October of 2013. Her tributes to the field include founding the Maryland Council on Problem Gambling, a NCPG Goldman Lifetime Award, a member of the NCPG Board of Directors, President of the Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators, Director of the Center on Problem Gambling at the University of Maryland, and a board member of the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board Institute for Problem Gambling. She designed and delivered clinical training programs in 45 states, 10 Canadian provinces, 31 tribes and 9 countries in addition to providing gambling-specific treatment protocols, clinical training, and supervision for national gambling certification. She consulted and trained for the FBI, CIA, Pentagon, the Navy, and the Army. She designed and implemented responsible gaming training for state lotteries, racetracks, and casinos internationally. Most importantly, she was a mentor and friend to many who have entered the field of problem gambling treatment and prevention.
Scholarship Application Deadline: April 15, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
Notification Date: April 30, 2025
Please submit scholarship applications via email to
Wiley Harwell, MCPGSA President
wharwell@oapgg.org
405-801-3329