School Social Work Programs

Help meet the mental health needs of children and adolescents in Connecticut by becoming a school social worker.

Across the United States, regardless of geography, the mental/behavioral health needs of children and youth are clear and urgent. In the Northeast Corridor, with a highly diverse population of over 50 million, the scope of the behavioral health needs of children and youth is nothing short of overwhelming. Schools, particularly those in underserved communities, are on the frontlines of battling to address this acute threat to an entire generation. Over the last several years, Connecticut’s public schools have experienced a rise in the number of students with mental health concerns. The UConn School of Social Work offers two program options for MSW students to become fully trained and prepared to address the mental/behavioral health needs of children and youth in social work practice.

Scholarships Available

Stipends will be awarded based on students meeting the eligibility requirements for the School Social Work program (5k) or School Social Work Scholars (15k). Students can only participate in one program at a time.

Application Deadline:

• December 10th: Returning students should complete the application below.
• February 15th: Incoming advanced standing students and students entering foundation year practicum.
  • Prospective students applying to the MSW program have the option to select a stipend program during the application process. It is important to thoroughly review the programs and eligibility criteria as only one program can be chosen. In addition to meeting the standard application requirements, applicants must also complete essay #2. Notifications about the stipend program will be sent separately from the MSW application decision, between March and April. The stipend program decision is independent of the MSW application decision.

School Social Work Program

The School Social Work Program, supported by a grant from CT Health Horizons, aims to increase the number of MSW students prepared to enter the field of school social work.

$5,000 Stipend Eligibility:

• All concentrations Hartford Campus students entering foundation year in Fall 2025
• Individuals, Groups and Families online students entering foundation year in Fall 2025
• Overall 3.0 GPA or higher
• Have a home address from an Alliance School District as designated by the Connecticut State Department of Education OR
• Meet the income criteria for Federal Pell Grant eligibility OR
• Have a current salary below Connecticut’s living wage as identified by the MIT Living Wage Calculator 
• Completed FAFSA and program application
• Secure a practicum placement in Bloomfield or Hartford Public Schools

  This program is available to on-campus and online students.

Students are required to:

• Enroll in DSEL 5320: Direct Practice in Schools
• Complete a practicum placement with Bloomfield or Hartford Public Schools
• Meet the required practicum activities including addressing students’ mental health needs on micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work
• Attend one School Social Work webinar each semester

School Social Work Scholars (SSWS)

The School Social Work Scholars (SSWS) program supported by a grant from the Department of Education, will train 25 MSW students annually to support the delivery of evidence-based, culturally, and linguistically inclusive mental health services in targeted school districts.

$15,000 Stipend Eligibility

• Individuals, Groups, and Families Hartford Campus students entering advanced year or advanced standing in Fall 2025
• Individuals, Groups, and Families online students entering advanced year in Fall 2027
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Secure a practicum placement in Hartford, New Britain, Waterbury, or Vernon Public Schools
• Completed FAFSA and program application
• Priority given to underserved students

Students are required to:

• Enroll in the following courses:
  • DSEL 5320: Direct Practice in Schools
  • SPTP 5318: Core Components and Skills for Trauma-Informed Practice with Children and Youth
  • IGFP 5345: Clinical Conditions with Children and Adolescents
  • TBA: School-Based Behavioral Health course

• Complete a practicum placement with Hartford, New Britain, Waterbury, or Vernon Public Schools
• Meet the required practicum activities including supporting the delivery of evidence-based, culturally and linguistically inclusive mental health services
• Attend two specialized seminars each semester