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Academics

We hope to provide this opportunity to Spring/Summer 2027 MSW graduates once funding is confirmed by the US Department of Education.

In the meantime, if you are interested in pursuing the WSW, please share your information with us here:

WSW Interest Form

Please note: this form is not an application for the WSW traineeship. If the initiative is confirmed, a formal application will be sent. This is a competitive career opportunity for those who want to work in the K-12 setting, and to reiterate, this form is a tentative step while we wait on initiative updates.

Workforce for Student Well-being (WSW)

The Workforce for Student Well-being (WSW) is a conditional-grant program for graduate-level students interested in pursuing school-based social work in Washington state’s high-need K-12 public or tribal schools. The WSW program is currently undergoing changes and is not recruiting or accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Academic Year at this time.. For the most current information about WSW opportunities, please visit https://wswinitiative.org

Participating social work students receive up to $30,000 in exchange for completing their specialized training in a WSW-approved local education agency (LEA) and by serving two years in a state high-need public or tribal school following graduation.

WSW Social Workers will:

    • Be placed in an advanced practicum placement in a high-need public or tribal school

    • Receive pre-service training in the form of a 30-hour “Community of Practice” with peers across the state

    • Attend a statewide professional networking retreat with peers and mentors

    • Receive their Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificate

    • Receive career placement support to take a leadership role in a high-need public school after graduation

Due to program’s having a post-graduation employment period in Washington state, international students are eligible for the traineeship if they have guaranteed work authorization after their education visa has expired.

For more detailed information about this program, you can check out the WSW website or download WSW At A Glance.

Are you a WSW Learning Education Agency?

If you meet the requirements of being an approved WSW Learning Education Agency, we welcome your partnership and collaboration with the University of Washington School of Social Work! Please connect with our Office of Field Education and submit an Agency/Field Instructor Interest Form!

Field Education Agency/Field Instructor Interest Form

Questions?

For inquiries about the WSW program and future opportunities, please contact wswinitiative@uw.edu or visit wswinitiative.org.

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