Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship
Western Michigan University is now offering a pathway for students interested in becoming child welfare professionals to learn more about child welfare-related work.
All graduate students currently enrolled at Western Michigan University can apply to the Child Welfare Graduate Certificate program this coming Fall 2024 semester and beginning Fall 2025 all bachelor’s level students can apply to the Child Welfare Minor.
Fellowship Funding
- 60 Credit MSW students – $5,000 per semester up to 4 semesters
- 39 Credit MSW students – $5,000 per semester up to 3 semesters
- BSW students – $5,000 per semester up to 2 semester during Senior Year
Important Dates
Application Open Dates
August 1, 2024, for early decision applicants including International applicants
December 1, 2024, for advanced standing applicants
January 1, 2025, for standard MSW applicants
Graduate Deadlines
October 15 for early decision applicants including International applicants
January 15 for advanced standing applicants
February 15 for standard MSW applicants
Undergraduate Deadlines
August 1 for fall admission
February 1 for spring admission
Program At-A-Glance
Program Available
BSW & MSW
Format
On Campus, Hybrid, Online
Program Availability
Full-time and Part-time
Important Dates
Application Open Dates
August 1, 2024, for early decision applicants including International applicants
December 1, 2024, for advanced standing applicants
January 1, 2025, for standard MSW applicants
Graduate Deadlines
October 15 for early decision applicants including International applicants
January 15 for advanced standing applicants
February 15 for standard MSW applicants
Undergraduate Deadlines
August 1 for fall admission
February 1 for spring admission
Program At-A-Glance
Program Available
BSW & MSW
Format
On Campus, Hybrid, Online
Program Availability
Full-time and Part-time
Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship
Western Michigan University is now offering a pathway for students interested in becoming child welfare professionals to learn more about child welfare-related work.
All graduate students currently enrolled at Western Michigan University can apply to the Child Welfare Graduate Certificate program this coming Fall 2024 semester and beginning Fall 2025 all bachelor’s level students can apply to the Child Welfare Minor.
Fellowship Funding
- 60 Credit MSW students – $5,000 per semester up to 4 semesters
- 39 Credit MSW students – $5,000 per semester up to 3 semesters
- BSW students – $5,000 per semester up to 2 semester during Senior Year
Program At-A-Glance
Program Available
BSW & MSW
Format
On Campus, Hybrid, Online
Program Availability
Full-time and Part-time
Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship
Western Michigan University is now offering a pathway for students interested in becoming child welfare professionals to learn more about child welfare-related work.
All graduate students currently enrolled at Western Michigan University can apply to the Child Welfare Graduate Certificate program this coming Fall 2024 semester and beginning Fall 2025 all bachelor’s level students can apply to the Child Welfare Minor.
Fellowship Funding
- 60 Credit MSW students – $5,000 per semester up to 4 semesters
- 39 Credit MSW students – $5,000 per semester up to 3 semesters
- BSW students – $5,000 per semester up to 2 semester during Senior Year
Program Requirements
Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellows may be enrolled full time or part time at either the MSW or BSW level. Students must be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, DACA status or eligible noncitizens to participate in the fellowship.
Title IV-E fellows must agree to the following:
- Complete all necessary coursework
- Complete a field placement at a public, private, or tribal child welfare agency in the State of Michigan
- Secure employment in an approved position at a public, private, or tribal child welfare agency in the State of Michigan based on their specific payback period upon graduation
Educational Requirements
Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellows must complete the following course work:
Child Welfare Graduate Certificate (9 credit hours)
- Integrated Child Welfare Seminar (3 credits)Â
- Core Concepts of Child and Adolescents Trauma (3 credits)Â
- Various elective credits (minimum 3 credits)
Completion of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). This occurs during the social work students' junior or senior year as part of the BSW degree.
- History, Policies, and Confronting Disparities in Child Welfare (3 credits)
- Child Maltreatment: Prevention, Assessment, and Intervention (3 credits)Â
- Various elective credits (minimum 9 credits)
Specialized Fieldwork
Title IV-E fellows will have the unique opportunity to select from specifically designated field sites related to child welfare. Field placements must qualify as public, private, or tribal child welfare agencies in the State of Michigan. These field placement roles are designed to support children and families within systems such as foster care, foster care licensing, foster care management, adoptions, and child protective services.
Application
If interested in this unique program or for more information, please contact the Child Welfare Program at Western Michigan University at [email protected].
Upcoming Fellowship Events at Western Michigan University
Upcoming Fellowship Events at Western Michigan University
WMU Frequently Asked Questions
Courses
If I earned the Child Welfare Certificate Endorsement during my BSW program, will I have to retake those courses?
No, but you would be required to take the MSW-level courses associate. Also, if you earned your BSW from a program not at Western Michigan University, you will need to ensure you complete all requirements.Â
Can I participate in the fellowship during my BSW and MSW at Western?
Yes, you can participate during both degrees. You would have to complete both payback periods.Â
Does Western Michigan offer an online only MSW?
No, we do offer some courses online but do not offer a fully online MSW. Courses are offered in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Battle Creek.Â
Stipend
How will the stipend be provided to me?
The stipend distribution will be distributed through the payroll department. The payment will not be taxed up front, but you will need to file a separate tax form. Â
How can I spend the stipend?
The stipend is to be used to support your education.
Field Practicum
What are my options for field practicum?
Students will work with the Field Office to find a field practicum placement at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, private agencies or any of the tribal agencies. The field practicum is an opportunity to provide hands-on preparation for the workforce, therefore the practicum should be in a role primarily involved in doing child welfare work. This may include CPS investigator or foster care case manager.Â
Do I have to find my own field placement?
No, students will work closely with the Field Office to find a field placement to satisfy the objectives of the Child Welfare Fellowship.
Employment Payback
I don’t know where to search for jobs, where can I find help?
The Title IV-E program manager at WMU is available to assist you with the job search process. There are also links available on WMU’s website.Â
How can I find out if my job qualifies?
The Title IV-E program manager at WMU can verify if the position you secured qualifies.Â
Who do I provide my job search details with?
The Title IV-E program manager is responsible for keeping track of your payback requirements. Be sure to stay in contact with them after graduation!
Contact Admissions
Anna Yelick
Assistant Professor
Western Michigan University
[email protected]
(734) 223-2704