The Workforce for Student Well-being (WSW) Initiative is offering a conditional scholarship for master of social work students. The deadline for Walla Walla University students applying for the scholarship is July 23, 2024. The WSW is preparing social workers for work in high-need public and tribal schools, and 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 state 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 a pre-service training with peers across the state. They will build a network among like-minded professionals, earn their Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificates, and receive career placement support to take leadership roles.

Less than half of Washington state K-12 students who need mental health services receive them. 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; 100 aspiring school social workers will receive conditional scholarships based on their financial need, 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, go to wswinitiative.org. To learn more about the master's of social work program at WWU, visit wallawalla.edu/MSW.

Posted July, 4 2024.