The Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship provides resources to individuals who will work in child welfare and social services in underserved communities throughout Michigan.
Oakland University has joined the Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship via a partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The initiative was created to provide stipends for individuals who commit to working in child welfare and social services in underserved communities throughout Michigan. The university has received approximately $273,000 for the current year, with most of that funding to support students directly through stipends.
According to an article on Oakland University's website, Dr. Maria Beam, who serves as the director of Social Work and coordinator of Title IV-E at Oakland University, was quoted as saying of the initiative, “This program reflects our deep commitment to preparing highly skilled, compassionate professionals who are ready to serve Michigan’s children and families. Through initiatives like this, Oakland University continues to create pathways for students to pursue purposeful careers while meeting critical workforce needs.”
Oakland University’s fellowship program is available to students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Master of Social Work. Eligible students will receive up to $5,000 per semester if they are a bachelor degree student or up to $8,000 per semester if they are a master’s degree student. These students must complete required coursework and fieldwork to receive the stipend, as well as commit to working with public, private, or tribal child welfare agencies following their graduation.
Social work student Sierra Plonkey has already benefitted from this program. She said of her participation, “When beginning my adventure into social work, I knew that I wanted to pursue something with children. That is ultimately why I decided on Oakland University — because they offered a minor in child welfare. Not even knowing that the Title IV-E fellowship was something that was offered, I was so excited when I was accepted. This fellowship has supported me throughout my educational journey and helped expand my passions. Working with children and families has been such an eye-opening and rewarding experience. Paired with my internship with DHHS, I feel like I have broadened not only my professional experience, but also my worldview. I have learned from supervisors, specialists and mentors who have been patient, understanding and willing to go above and beyond to answer my many questions. Overall, my experience has been spectacular to say the least.”
Oakland University has already had six students participate in the fellowship, and it plans to expand the fellowship for the 2026-2027 school year.
The Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship is administered by the University of Michigan, with a total of eight universities participating in the program.
For more information about Oakland University, visit the school’s website.