The State of Michigan expands Title-IVE program statewide; MSU continues its participation

February 6, 2026 - Brandon Drain

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) expanded its partnership with public universities to strengthen the child welfare workforce by bringing in three new universities, increasing the total number of participating schools to eight.

The State of Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship provides resources and support to students committed to working in the child welfare system. The program aims to recruit, retain and prepare students to become leaders in the field while bolstering the statewide workforce.

“This expansion means hope for the future of Michigan’s child welfare workforce,” said Elizabeth Monteymayor, child welfare programming coordinator at Michigan State University’s School of Social Work.

Michigan, like many states, faces a shortage of child welfare workers. To address this, MDHHS launched the Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program last year and increased funding for the program this year from $1.7 million to $4.5 million.

“This fellowship has alleviated some of the tuition costs and educational expenses, which has been helpful as an advanced standing student transitioning directly from my BASW into the MSW program,” said Jasmine Zavala-Gonzales, MSU Social Work student. “Academically, the fellowship has strengthened my professional development by providing specialized training in child welfare and opportunities to apply what I learn directly to child welfare practice.”

The fellowship goes beyond the classroom. It provides intentional, real-world preparation for child welfare work by integrating “classroom learning with field experience, while also building a strong sense of community, mentorship, and professional identity,” said Montemayor.

Many alumni praise the program for its practical application and potential for career advancement.

“Obtaining a child welfare certificate from a prestigious program has earned me recognition and professional respect not only among fellow clinicians but also within the courts, local schools, community mental health agencies, foster care licensing organizations, foster parents, and the Indiana Department of Child Services,” said Jeremy McClendon, MSU School of Social Work alum. “The program equipped me with learning new evidence-based practices to help guide case managers and other clinicians use the correct methods, tools and resources available for clients,” he continued.

Oakland University, Eastern Michigan University and Ferris State University are joining the program that provides stipends to social work students who agree to work in under-resourced communities across the state after graduation.

“This investment helps ensure we’re not just filling positions but developing professionals who are ready to stay and grow in this work,” said Montemayor. “By expanding this program statewide, we’re building a stronger, more connected pipeline of professionals who are ready to stay and grow in child welfare.”