Program Overview
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 – Protective Services Division (CYFD). 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 the field of Child Welfare through CYFD upon graduation by offering financial assistance to BSW and MSW students in their NMSU academic programs who are willing to commit to working for CYFD upon graduation.
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.
- Gain invaluable experience providing critical aspects of social work services to at-risk children, youth, and families in New Mexico.
- Benefit from 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 a part of a mission in the gratifying areas of foster and adoptive care.
Award Amounts & Employment Obligation
The CWSP offers financial assistance to BSW and MSW students in their NMSU academic programs who are willing to commit to working for CYFD upon graduation. Scholar recipients agree to be contractually obligated to work for CYFD Protective Services Division NM for a specified period after graduation as a payback for each scholarship award they receive.
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Academic Program
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Award Amount
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Work Obligation Per Award
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BSW (Full-Time)
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$11,000 Award
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Carries an 18-month employment agreement
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MSW (Part-Time)
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$10,000 Award
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Carries a 12-month employment agreement
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MSW (Full-Time)
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$12,000 Award
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Carries an 18-month employment agreement
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*Students are eligible for (2) two scholar awards during their academic program.
NOTE: PLEASE SEE YOUR FINANCIAL AID ADVISOR BECAUSE RECEIVING A CHILD WELFARE SCHOLAR AWARD MAY AFFECT YOUR FINANCIAL AID.
Scholar Requirements
- Must be accepted in a BSW or MSW program at NMSU. This includes part-time students and current CYFD employees.
- Participate in a screening interview by a panel of representatives from CYFD Protective Services Division NM and NMSU’s School of Social Work.
- Be willing to accept employment with CYFD Protective Services Division NM in counties with the greatest need for qualified social workers. The student also understands that if the work commitment is not met, the student is responsible for the repayment of the funds received as a scholar in the time they would have had to complete their employment payback.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Participate in CWSP Licensing Preparation Program (LPP) seminars before graduation and pass your licensure exam within six months.
- Have reliable transportation and a willingness to complete a one-year practicum placement at a CYFD Protective Services Division County office.
- Status of US citizen or permanent residence required.
- Meet graduation requirements.
- Maintain good academic standing throughout the program with a 3.0 GPA.
- Be willing to follow NMSU and CYFD practicum requirements regarding COVID-19 policies and practices.
How to Apply
- Complete a Child Welfare Scholar Award application.
- Upload the following to your completed application:
- A current resume.
- Unofficial academic transcript.
After you complete an application and before being accepted as a Scholar, applicants will need to:
- Participated in a panel interview comprised of NMSU and CYFD staff members.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Positive confirmation of references and current social work professors.
- Verification of reliable transportation to complete a practicum placement.
