Special Practicum Scholarships and Workforce Programs
The School of Social Work offers special practicum scholarships and workforce options. Students are encouraged to regularly review this information, as program details and funding availability may be updated. The following programs and funding are subject to change.
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR 2027-2028 ACADEMIC YEAR:
Returning students: December 15th
Incoming students: February 15th
Applications now open! Apply here.
Connecticut ¡Adelante! Scholars
Up to $4,000 scholarship: Connecticut ¡Adelante! is a unique MSW curriculum designed for bilingual Spanish-speaking social work students. MSW students receive bilingual Spanish/English clinical training to address the growing need for Spanish-speaking social workers in Connecticut. This program aims to enhance students' linguistic and socio-cultural competencies, preparing them to meet the behavioral health needs of the Latine community.
Behavioral Health Scholars Program (BHSP)
$25,000 stipend: With support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 17 MSW students will be selected as Behavioral Health Scholars, receiving specialized coursework, intensive practicum placements, and faculty mentorship. The BHSP program trains MSW students to address the increasing children and youth behavioral health crisis.
DCF Child Welfare Workforce Training Program
$4,000 stipend/scholarship: The UConn School of Social Work partners with the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families (DCF) to create a more diverse, professionally trained, master level public child welfare workforce. The DCF Child Welfare Workforce Training Program aims to build a pipeline for a professionally trained workforce to serve children and families involved with DCF. A cohort of up to five MSW students receives specialized classroom and practicum training to work at a Connecticut DCF office after they complete their MSW degree.
DOE School Social Work Scholars Program
$15,000 scholarship: The School Social Work Scholars (SSWS) program, supported by a grant from the Department of Education, trains MSW students to support the delivery of evidence-based, culturally and linguistically inclusive mental health services in targeted school districts.
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (LEND)
Full-time graduate assistantship, tuition waiver, and stipend (approximately $29,000 over 9 months). LEND is an interdisciplinary leadership training program aimed at improving the health care of infants, children, and youth with complex neurodevelopmental disabilities including autism. The LEND provides funding for full-time doctoral and master’s students and other community-based trainees (including persons with disabilities, family members, and practicing professionals) to participate in weekly seminars, clinical practica, research, and advocacy projects over the course of a year.
$1,500 scholarship: Students are prepared with specialized classroom and practicum training to serve the growing number of adults aged 65 and older within diverse communities and institutional settings.
Black Male Mental Health Professional Mentoring Program (BMMH-MP)
$4,500 stipend (disbursed quarterly): A collaboration between the UConn School of Social Work and the Neag School of Education, Girding the Roots: A Mentorship Model for Practitioners and Student Trainees to Support Black Male Mental Health Wellbeing is a pilot initiative designed to advance the success, longevity, and well-being of emerging and current graduate student professionals in mental health training programs who are committed to supporting Black male mental health and wellness. This culturally grounded model integrates four key components: mentorship, connection, trainings, and professional development round tables, offering a holistic approach to personal and professional growth. Applications are now open for this program. Applications will be accepted until all program slots are filled.