The Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative (WDI) supports master’s level social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists committed to serving individuals and families with mental health and substance use challenges.

The aim of the WDI is to significantly decrease student debt and increase the number and diversity of exceptionally prepared graduates to work in the community agencies on which our state’s most vulnerable populations depend.

The UW School of Social Work is one of 13 universities and 20 graduate programs participating in this statewide effort. The initiative is also partnering with more than 100 state-approved community behavioral health agencies and tribal health centers to serve as student training sites and potential future employers, providing services in some of the state’s most marginalized communities.

Students participating in the initiative receive grants, up to $51,500, to offset master’s degree expenses by agreeing to serve three years in an approved Washington state community behavioral health agency or tribal health center following their graduation. The initiative also provides expert career placement and mentoring support.

DACA students are encouraged to apply, using the WASFA application. See the Application Timeline and Process page for details.

If you have additional questions about the UW School of Social Work WDI program or the application process, please send an email to sswwdi@uw.edu.

We are not currently accepting applications for the Workforce Development Initiative. Please check back in January 2025 for any changes.

Due to the initiative having a post-graduation employment period, international students are eligible for the WDI traineeship if they have guaranteed work authorization after their education visa has expired.