When Matthew (Matt) Scanlon first began working at Covenant House—New York City’s largest provider serving homeless youth—he had to prove he was for real. Working as a residential advisor, Scanlon understood that he didn’t go through the same experiences as the youth he served. This hurt his credibility in a situation where relationships were the bedrock of success. Whether or not he could empower these youth depended on his ability to establish trust.
“There were some challenges in the beginning,” Scanlon said. “I knew my makeup as a caucasian heterosexual male, and what I could give off to a youth who’s been stigmatized by society.”
Scanlon threw himself into the work. Whatever he did, he focused on doing the right thing for the youth and his colleagues. Because he knew it wasn’t just the youth he had to impress, it was also those working alongside him.
“You realize it’s not something you’re going to talk your way out of. You have to prove who you are by showing up and having some difficult conversations,” Scanlon said. “I wasn’t just coming and getting some job and just kind of floating. I was committed to the work.”
As he spent more and more time at Covenant House, Scanlon was impressed with a particular subset of colleagues who seemed to have an array of vital skills. They wrote grant proposals, fundraised, and led teams—all in addition to their main duty of providing therapeutic services to the youth.
“I was always impressed by the social workers I worked with,” he said. “I was blown away by their skillset.”
This recognition and appreciation ignited something in Scanlon, who had been considering graduate education for some time. He wanted to establish deeper connections with the youth and assist in additional areas of Covenant House’s operations. After watching his social work colleagues, he knew a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree would get him there.
Now, the Graduate School of Social Service is proud to announce that Scanlon is the recipient of the Centennial Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year. The opportunity will allow him to pursue his M.S.W. at Fordham with a full scholarship.
“I didn’t expect it to happen. I was shocked,” he said. “I texted my wife and my mom. For something like this to really be working out—the sense of gratitude was immediate.”
The Scholarship, a partnership between Fordham GSS and Catholic Charities and created in 2018, honors the two institutions’ 100-year collaboration to help New Yorkers in need and provides full tuition for an M.S.W. degree to the recipient. Scanlon is the seventh scholar selected under the program.
“Catholic Charities has been an important partner in the mission of the Graduate School of Social Service from its inception in 1916,” Debra McPhee, dean of GSS, said in a past interview. “The Centennial Scholarship is a wonderful representation of our historic and shared commitment to service and community building throughout New York City and the region.”
A Desire for Deeper Connection
Scanlon currently works as a program coordinator in Covenant House’s Rights of Passage Program, working with youth aged 16-20. He supervises an independent living program in the Bronx, which houses 20 male-identified youth.
“I’ve got an amazing team staff here 24/7,” Scanlon said. “We are big pushers for life skills and developing yourself so you can hopefully leave [the program]in some kind of safe, structured, independent way.”
The youth develop themselves in the program largely through therapeutic services. Scanlon said that an on-site social worker offers individual therapy sessions. They’re so effective, Scanlon said, he wants to provide more opportunities.
In becoming a social worker, Scanlon can expand his duties into a therapeutic role — helping to fill the gaps and offer these services daily.
“Having the M.S.W. degree with my experience can help me take on more responsibility,” Scanlon said. “If I could be a branch to bring more therapeutic services, that would be awesome.”
A Ram’s History
Scanlon’s relationship with Fordham dates back to his time as a student at Fordham Preparatory School. Then, he transferred to Fordham College at Lincoln Center after his second year of undergraduate studies. Pursuing an M.S.W. at GSS only made sense.
“Fordham’s always been my support system,” Scanlon said. “In terms of academic or future goals—it was always the place where I felt understood.”
Scanlon’s experience with the M.S.W. admissions process solidified this sentiment. The personal touch offered through multiple phone calls, meetings, and support helped make his application journey a breeze, he said.
“Everyone was so responsive, clear, and helpful,” he said. “I just appreciate it.”
Scanlon will study as a part-time student at Fordham’s Westchester campus, located in West Harrison, NY, and “five minutes away” from where he lives. He said that after attending a campus tour with his wife, the decision was an easy one.
“She was in love with the campus, too,” he said.
For M.S.W. hopefuls interested in the Centennial Scholarship or any other scholarship opportunity, Scanlon recommends starting the process early—especially your written personal statement. Additionally, leaning in on who you are and what you’ve experienced in life is a path to success.
“Pay attention to your own life experiences and what you’ve gone through,” he said. “I’m grateful because, being older, I’ve had such amazing life experiences. Lean on the folks at Fordham, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. I knew they always had my back.”
