Child welfare fellowship
Prepare to lead in Michigan child welfare.
The Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship provides additional resources and support for students committed to working with children and families through Michigan's child welfare system.
Purpose and impact
Build a career serving children and families.
Child welfare professionals have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference through direct support, policy advocacy and the improvement of services. The work calls for compassion, resilience and dedication to the safety, well-being and future success of children and families.
The fellowship aims to recruit, retain and educate future leaders for Children's Protective Services, foster care, licensing and adoption. Fellows receive specialized academic and field preparation along with a stipend.
Employment commitment: Upon graduation, fellows are contractually obligated to search for and accept approved employment in a public, private or tribal child welfare agency in the State of Michigan for the required minimum payback period.
Fellowship preparation
Coursework, field education and professional commitment.
Fellows may enroll in a full-time or part-time MSW program and complete requirements designed to build child welfare knowledge and practice readiness.
Academic requirements
Specialized coursework and certificate
- Enroll in, participate in and complete the Child Welfare Certificate endorsed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
- Complete SW 471: Child Welfare.
- Complete required human development coursework in SW 811.
- Complete social work practice coursework in SW 840 and SW 841, including cultural competency and anti-racist practice content.
- Complete at least one elective relevant to child welfare practice and participate in at least two workshops on child welfare competency topics.
Program commitments
What fellows agree to complete
- Complete all necessary coursework and the child welfare certificate requirement.
- Complete field placement at a public, private or tribal child welfare agency in the State of Michigan.
- After graduation, work in an approved position at a Michigan public, private or tribal child welfare agency for the minimum payback period.
Eligibility: Students must be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, have DACA status or qualify as eligible noncitizens to participate.
Fellowship funding
Support aligned with your MSW pathway.
Funding is based on whether a fellow is completing the 57-credit Regular MSW program or the 36-credit Advanced Standing program.
$5,000
Regular MSW program
Funding per semester for up to four semesters for students completing the 57-credit program.
$5,000
Advanced Standing MSW program
Funding per semester for up to three semesters for students completing the 36-credit program.
Application
Complete both application steps.
- 01
Apply to the MSW program
Complete your MSW application by the School's deadline. Admission to the fellowship is contingent upon admission to the MSU School of Social Work.
- 02
Submit the fellowship application
Complete the separate Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship application.
