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
Thank you for your interest in the Child Welfare Stipend Program (CWSP) at Virginia State University!
Priority Application Period for Junior BSW Students
The Priority Application Period for BSW junior students interested in participating in the Child Welfare Stipend Program during the 2027–2028 academic year will open October 1, 2026, and close October 31, 2026.
Students who are interested in pursuing a career in public child welfare are encouraged to apply during the priority application period. Applying early provides an opportunity to connect with the CWSP team, learn more about program requirements and benefits, and make an early connection to a local department of social service (DSS) field placement.
Download and submit your completed CWSP application materials to CWSP@vsu.edu by October 31, 2026.
More Information
Do you have questions or want to learn more? Please email us at CWSP@vsu.edu. We are also available to discuss the program, application process, field placement expectations, and career opportunities in public child welfare.
Contact: Jackie Cowan, MSW, LMSW
Child Welfare Stipend Program Coordinator
804-524-1240
jcowan@vsu.edu