Youngstown State University Blog

Social Work Students: Turn Your Passion Into a Career Through YSU’s University Partnership Program

Your passion for helping children and families can turn into a journey where you can gain hands-on experience and also make an impact on your community. That’s the reason why The University Partnership Program (UPP) among the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) and others are offering an employment incentive of $5,000 to $10,000 for those who complete the program and successfully gain employment in Ohio for public child welfare.

What is the University Partnership Program (UPP)?

The University Partnership Program (UPP) is a training program in Ohio designed to prepare Social Work students for careers in child welfare, a field focused on protecting children and supporting families.

Through a partnership between the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY), universities, and public child welfare agencies, the program gives eligible Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, receive specialized training, and build professional connections in the field of child welfare.

What Are the Benefits of UPP?

UPP offers Social Work students the opportunity to gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and prepare for a career in public child welfare.

Some of the program’s benefits include:

Hands-on Experience: Gain real-world experience through field placements at public child welfare agencies in Ohio.

Specialized Training: Take courses focused on child welfare to build your knowledge and skills in the field.

Mentorship and Support: Receive personalized guidance from the UPP coordinator and field instructors.

Professional Connections: Connect with professionals in child welfare and explore future career opportunities.

Career Preparation: Benefit from a pathway designed to help you transition into full-time employment in child welfare after graduation.

Potential Paid Internships: Explore opportunities for paid internships.

Employment Incentives: Eligible BSW students may receive $5,000 to $10,000, while MSW students may receive $5,000 after meeting the program’s employment requirements.

Who Can Apply to UPP?

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Students

BSW Students can apply to UPP during their junior or senior year. The program allows students to specialize in public child welfare through elective coursework and field experience during their senior year.

After graduation, students who earn their Social Work degree, secure employment at an Ohio public child welfare agency, and commit to working in the field for one to two years may receive an employment incentive of $5,000 to $10,000.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Students

MSW Students can apply to UPP during their final year of the program. They can also specialize in public child welfare through elective coursework and field experience.

After earning their degree, securing employment at a public child welfare agency, and committing one year of work in the field, students receive a $5,000 employment incentive.

Current caseworkers at public child welfare agencies are also eligible to participate and may be exempt from the two required child welfare courses.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Program requirements include:

Child Welfare Courses: Complete two courses, Child Welfare 1 (5826) and Child Welfare 2 (5827).

Monthly Seminars: Participate in monthly child welfare field placement seminars for BSW or MSW students.

Field Placement: Gain hands-on experience at a public children’s services agency in Ohio.

How To Apply to UPP

If you’re a BSW or MSW student who meets the eligibility requirements, the first step is to contact Kristie Campbell, MSW, University Partnership Program Coordinator, at klcampbell02@ysu.edu or 330-941-1843.

The application process includes:

Completing the UPP application.
Providing two professional references.
Submitting an updated resume.
Writing a personal statement.
Completing an interview with the UPP coordinator.

For Social Work students at YSU interested in child welfare careers in Ohio, the University Partnership Program offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, specialized training and employment in public child welfare agencies. If you’re interested, contact UPP Coordinator Kristie Campbell to learn more about the program and how to apply!