CWSP Program Overview & Application

Preparing the Next Generation of Child Welfare Professionals

Program Overview

Child Welfare Scholar Program

The Child Welfare Scholar Program (CWSP) is a longstanding partnership between the School of Social Work at New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) – Protective Services Division. Federally funded through the Title IV-E programs of the Social Security Act, this partnership aims to increase the number of professionally licensed social work graduates seeking employment in child welfare by providing financial assistance to BSW and MSW students who commit to working for CYFD after graduation.

Three students sitting side by side and writing in notebooks during a study session.
What You’ll Gain

Scholar Benefits

Opportunity to attend, participate, and present at state and national conferences
Specialized coursework and training in the field of child welfare
A 1-year supervised practicum placement in a CYFD county office
Invaluable experience providing critical social work services to at-risk children, youth, and families in New Mexico
A strong foundation of social work skills designed to increase your competence as a social worker
Opportunities to network and collaborate with a wide variety of community organizations
Be part of a mission in the gratifying areas of foster and adoptive care
Eligibility

Scholar Requirements

Accepted into a BSW or MSW program at NMSU – this includes part-time students and current CYFD employees
Participate in a screening interview with a panel from CYFD Protective Services Division NM and NMSU’s School of Social Work
Willing to accept employment with CYFD Protective Services Division NM in counties with the greatest need for qualified social workers
Pass a criminal background check
Participate in CWSP Licensing Preparation Program (LPP) seminars before graduation and pass your licensure exam within six months
Reliable transportation and willingness to complete a one-year practicum placement at a CYFD Protective Services Division county office
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status required
Meet graduation requirements
Maintain good academic standing throughout the program with a 3.0 GPA
Follow NMSU and CYFD practicum requirements regarding COVID-19 policies and practices

Note: If a work commitment is not met, the student is responsible for repaying the funds received as a scholar for the portion of the employment payback period not completed.

Funding

Award Amounts & Employment Agreements

The CWSP offers financial assistance to BSW and MSW students who commit to working for CYFD upon graduation. Scholar recipients are contractually obligated to work for the CYFD Protective Services Division, NM, for a specified period after graduation as payback for each scholarship award received.

Academic Program Award Amount Work Agreement Per Award
BSW (Full-Time) $11,000 Award 18-month employment agreement
MSW (Part-Time) $10,000 Award 12-month employment agreement
MSW (Full-Time) $12,000 Award 18-month employment agreement
MSW Advanced Standing $14,000 Award 18-month employment agreement

*Students are eligible for two (2) scholar awards during their academic program.

*International students are not eligible.

Please see your financial aid advisor – receiving a Child Welfare Scholar Award may affect your financial aid.
Get Started

How to Apply

Applying to the Child Welfare Scholar Program is a two-step process: submitting your application materials, and completing the screening process before acceptance as a Scholar.

  • 1

    Complete a Child Welfare Scholar Award Application

    Submit a completed application along with the required supporting documents.

    A current resume
    An unofficial academic transcript
  • 2

    Complete the Screening Process

    After you submit your application and before being accepted as a Scholar, you’ll need to:

    Participate in a panel interview comprised of NMSU and CYFD staff members
    Pass a criminal background check
    Receive positive confirmation of references and current social work professors
    Provide verification of reliable transportation to complete a practicum placement
Applications Opening Soon

Interested in Becoming a Child Welfare Scholar?

Applications for the next Child Welfare Scholar Program cohort are not yet available. Check back soon for application deadlines and updates. In the meantime, explore the program brochure and information above to learn more about scholar benefits, award amounts, and program expectations.

Applications Forthcoming

Download the CWSP Program Brochure

For more information about the Child Welfare Scholar Program, contact Erica Tontodonati