University of Pikeville partners with Child Welfare Prepare, Retain, Engage and Partner (CW PREP) Program
The PREP program is an initiative of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services that aims to train and recruit individuals to become child welfare social workers.
The University of Pikeville has joined the Child Welfare Prepare, Retain, Engage and Partner (CW PREP) Program. The PREP program is an initiative of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services that aims to train and recruit individuals to become child welfare social workers. The university’s involvement will benefit students who are pursuing a bachelor of social work degree through tuition reimbursements, stipends, field placements, and more.
According to an article on the University of Pikeville’s website, Ashton Bartley, MSW, who serves as the director of the university’s Bachelor of Social Work program, was quoted as saying of the new partnership, “This partnership is an incredible opportunity for our students and the children and families of Eastern Kentucky. Funded opportunities like this not only remove financial barriers, but they also give our students the training, advising and field experience they need to step into these critical roles confidently. At UPIKE, we’re looking for students who want to make a lasting difference. CW PREP aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare career-ready graduates committed to their communities. Together, we are building a well-prepared workforce to meet the needs of Kentucky’s most vulnerable.”
Students who are passionate about helping children and families can receive many benefits from the PREP program. Eligible students can receive up to four semesters of tuition coverage, a stipend per semester, paid practicum opportunities, training retreats, advising, and field placements within the Department for Community-Based Services. In exchange, students must commit to working for at least two years in the Social Service Worker classification upon their graduation.
The goal of the program is to expand opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in social work and public child welfare, and to work to actively recruit, train, and retain those individuals to serve children and families in Kentucky.
For more information about the University of Pikeville, visit the school’s website.