The Workforce for Student Well-Being Initiative is offering a conditional scholarship for Master of Social Work students at Walla Walla University. The deadline for students applying for the scholarship is July 23, 2024. WSW is preparing social workers for work in high-need public and tribal schools and is advancing the careers of skilled social work professionals through training, mentorship and financial support.
This program offers an opportunity to earn up to $30,000 to offset master’s degree expenses. Applicants must be accepted into the WWU Master of Social Work program, demonstrate a passion for school mental health and be committed to working in high-need public or tribal schools in Washington following graduation.
WSW scholars will be placed in high-need public or tribal schools during their practicum and will develop competencies to become school-based social workers who provide mental health services through pre-service training with peers across the state. They will build a network among like-minded professionals, earn their Educational Staff Associate certificates and receive career placement support to take leadership roles.
Less than half of Washington state K–12 students in need of mental health services receive the care they need. The WSW Initiative aims to help address this problem by increasing the numbers, skills and diversity of school mental health practitioners.
Washington state was recently awarded $6 million from the U.S. Department of Education to create a pipeline from Washington’s five accredited Master in Social Work training programs to its K–12 schools. One hundred aspiring school social workers will receive conditional scholarships based on their financial needs, removing cost barriers to earning an advanced degree and committing to work in high-need public or tribal schools.
For additional information and to apply, visit wswinitiative.org. To learn more about the Master of Social Work program at WWU, visit wallawalla.edu/MSW.
