Child Welfare Stipend Program (CWSP)
Who Should Apply
Individuals who are driven to support the safety, permanency, and the well-being of children and families through complex challenges. They bring empathy, professionalism, cultural humility, and critical thinking to their work, along with a strong commitment to responsibility and a genuine eagerness to contribute to Virginia’s child welfare system as agents of positive change. Academic requirements are as follows:
- Must be enrolled in a full-time BSW or MSW program at one of the five participating universities
- Must successfully complete two Child Welfare courses (Child Welfare Policy Elective and a Child Welfare Practice Elective)
- MSW stipend recipients must complete one field practicum in a child serving setting and one field practicum at a local department of social services (primarily in a foster care, adoption, or in-home role)
Application Process
The application period for the 2026–2027 academic year is now closed. Applications for the 2027–2028 cohort will open in November 2026. You can also contact the Child Welfare Stipend Program Coordinator to answer any questions and receive additional information as you consider continuing or pursuing a career in public child welfare.
To learn more or connect with the Child Welfare Stipend Program at VSU, please email CWSP@vsu.edu.
More Information
Contact: Jackie Cowan, MSW, LMSW
Child Welfare Stipend Program Coordinator
804-524-1240
jcowan@vsu.edu