By Alexa Lewis
If you’ve ever found yourself considering a career in social work, now is the time to pursue that dream. In 2015, the Virginia Department of Social Services redesigned the Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend program (CWSP). The intention of the revamped CWSP is to encourage students to pursue careers in local social service positions after graduation. The program, administered out of CHHS’s Department of Social Work, offers eligible students an annual academic stipend of 10,000 dollars, as well as extensive training and field experience. For every year the stipend is received, the student must work at a Virginia Department of Social Service agency.
In the fall semester of 2017, a total of ten bachelor of social work and master of social work students paved the way as Mason’s first CWSP recipients. Title IV-E Program Coordinator Katherine Cornejo explained the exciting opportunities that this program offers, including clinical skills training, child welfare field experience, and a discussion seminar for the CWSP cohort to discuss individual experiences. “The most exciting part of this process for me has been watching them become more confident and skilled.” Cornejo said of her students who are pioneering CWSP at Mason. “This semester CWSP has helped launch multiple gratifying careers in our community.”
Eligible students have until February 14, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. EST to apply for program benefits beginning next academic year. For further program details or to apply, visit the application page.