Program Background
Connecticut ¡Adelante!, supported by CT Health Horizons and Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, is a unique MSW curriculum designed for bilingual Spanish-speaking social work students. This program aims to enhance students' linguistic and socio-cultural competencies, preparing them to meet the behavioral health needs of the Latine community, especially among children and youth. Any student may apply and does not need to identify as Hispanic or Latine; applicants with a range of Spanish language proficiency are considered, with placement guided by language proficiency testing. The highlighted program and funding are subject to change.
As a Connecticut ¡Adelante! Scholar, you will:
• Receive a $5,000 scholarship.
• Strengthen your linguistic and socio-cultural competencies.
• Gain practical experience serving Spanish-speaking populations.
• Prepare for a career serving the mental health needs of Spanish-speaking populations in Connecticut.
Connecticut ¡Adelante! Voices
“As a bilingual educator, I support MSW students in the Connecticut ¡Adelante! Scholars Program in strengthening their bilingual and bicultural skills in clinical Spanish. Through this work, students build clinical competence, cultural awareness, and a strong sense of belonging to a community of bilingual practitioners committed to ethical and culturally responsive practice.” — Lesly Sanchez-Villar, MSW '15, LCSW, assistant professor-in-residence
“Although I initially felt intimidated because my Spanish was limited after moving to the United States at age 11, the CT ¡Adelante! cohort has strengthened my Spanish-speaking skills and expanded my therapeutic vocabulary. CT ¡Adelante! has given me the confidence and ability to communicate more effectively with Spanish-speaking clients and provide culturally responsive support. Being part of the cohort feels like being part of a family, where we learn from each other’s experiences, motivate one another, and build lasting connections. In the future, I hope to use my bilingual training to help Spanish-speaking individuals and families feel understood, supported, and connected to the services they need.” — Diana Mendoza, current MSW student
“We’re so proud of our CT ¡Adelante! Scholars, many of whom have overcome significant challenges to be in the program. They bring lived experience, cultural knowledge, and a deep commitment to serving their communities—qualities that will make them impactful leaders in the social work profession.” — Milagros Marrero-Johnson, director of the CT ¡Adelante! Scholars Program, senior director of strategic initiatives and community engagement