Application InstructionsInterested applicants should complete this application form and submit the following supporting documents.
Personal Statement Updated resume Two (2) professional recommendation letters. Recommendation letters from current or former field intrustors are encouraged. Applications without the supporting documents are incomplete and will not be considered. Application DeadlinesDeadline #1: January 31, 2023.
This deadline is for the following students:
Current full-time BSW students entering their senior year in Fall 2023 Current full-time MSW on-ground students beginning their 2nd year in Fall 2023 Current full-time Dual Degree MSW students beginning their 3rd year in Fall 2023 Current MSW online students with an expected graduation date of May 2024 or May 2025 Current MSW 3 and 4 years students entering field practicum in Fall 2023 Deadline #2: March 1, 2023
This deadline is for the following students:
Prospective incoming students for the MSW Advanced Standing program* Prospective incoming students for the 2-year MSW program* Prospective incoming students for the Dual Degree MSW program* Prospective incoming MSW online students with an expected graduation date of May 2024* *Prospective students: Some applicants may not receive their MSW admission decision prior to the CWSP application date; however, applicants must apply to be considered, as application packets received after the CWSP application deadlines will not be considered.
Application MaterialsApplicants must complete this online application form and submit all required supporting documents by the application deadline. Required documents include: a professional statement, two professional recommendation letters, and a current resume. Screening and Selection Process:Applicants must be accepted into George Mason University's full-time BSW or MSW program for consideration. Complete applications and supporting documents are thoroughly reviewed by the GMU Child Welfare Stipend Program coordinator and PI. Live (in-person or virtual) interviews are the final step in the application process. Recipients of the Child Welfare Stipend Program are selected after a thorough review of their application materials and responses given during their in-person interview. Student Notification and Acceptance of Stipends: Applicants will be notified in writing via email about the award decision after interviews are completed. Students who are offered the Child Welfare Stipend will be required to sign a legally binding agreement called a Student Recipient Agreement, which details the student and postgraduate program expectations. Applicants who choose to accept the stipend must sign and submit the Student Recipient Agreement to the Child Welfare Stipend Program Coordinator.
I have read and understand the application instructions and provided information. Please initial.
She/Her/Hers
He/Him/His
They/Them/ Their
Other pronoun not listed
Prefer not to say
Do you have a George Mason University G number?
Yes
No
Select the acacdemic level that describes your enrollment status for the fall 2023 semester.
BSW senior
Incoming MSW-Generalist student (1st year)
Incoming MSW Advanced Standing Student
Incoming MSW Dual Degree student (1st year)
MSW-Specialization year student (2nd year)
Current MSW Dual Degree (entering 3rd year)
Current MSW online student
Incoming MSW online student
Current MSW 3rd or 4th year student
Expected graduation date from George Mason University
GMU email address
(If you do not have a GMU address, type "N/A")
Alternate email address (not a GMU email address)
Have you previously applied to the Child Welfare Stipend Program in Virginia?
Yes
No
If you have previously applied, please indicate the date of when you applied and the university.
If you marked, "yes" to the previous question, please select the university you partipated in the Child Welfare Stipend Program.
East Tennessee State University (ESTU) -Abington Campus
George Mason University
Norfolk State University
Radford University
Virginia Commonwealth University
If you are a former recipient of the Child Welfare Stipend Program from a university outside of George Mason University, may I contact that University Coordinator?
Yes
No
N/A
Are you currently employed by a local Department of Social Service agency in Virginia?
Yes
No
If yes, please indicate the name of the agency, employment dates, and position(s) held. If you are not currently employed with a local Department of Social Service agency, please type "N/A"
Have you previously interned with a local Virginia Department of Social Services agency?
Yes
No
If yes, please provide the location and program area (i.e. CPS, Foster Care, Adoption etc.). If you have not had an internship with the Virginia Department of Social Services, type "N/A".
Have you have previously worked, interned, or volunteered within a child welfare setting outside of the Virginia Department of Social Services?
Yes
No
Do you have a valid state issued driver's license?
Yes
No
Which state issued your driver's license?
Are you open to working for a local Dept. of Social Services outside the northern Virginia region?
Yes
No
Maybe
If you responded "no" or "maybe" to the question above, please explain your response in the space provided.
Do you have a history of founded CPS reports or criminal offenses?
Yes
No
If yes, please explain in provided space. If your response was "no", please type "N/A".
Personal Statement: Responses will be evaluated by content and writing skills; be thorough yet concise. All statements should be typed, double spaced, 2-3 pages in length, and include the applicant's name andemail on the first page.
Before writing your personal statement, please review the following resource.
Listen to the podcast, Casework: What it ReallyTakes, by the Child Welfare Information Gateway. Link: https://soundcloud.com/childwelfare/casework-what-it-really-takes Your statement should answer the following questions:
Why do you want to work with children and theirfamilies? If applicable, please describe your experience inchild welfare. You may discuss current or pastexperiences as a volunteer, student, employee, clientetc.. What are your personal strengths and areas wheregrowth is needed? How do you manage competing priorities? Provideexamples. What are your career goals upon completing a BSW orMSW degree? How will the Child Welfare Stipend Programhelp you attain your goals? Why should Virginia's Department of Social Servicesinvest in your education
Resume: Please upload your most recent resume.
Professional references:
Applicants must have two (2) professional references. These two references should be from a former or current supervisor, colleague, or professor. If you are a Child WelfareStipend participant at a partner university, one of your references must be from your university ChildWelfare Stipend Program Coordinator. Please provide your references with link below to complete the reference page information. Professional references should not be submitted by the applicant.
Copy and paste the link to the reference form: https://forms.office.com/r/M97QN4WYTp
I have read and understand the professional reference process. Please initial.
Please indicate your age. If you prefer not to say, type, "N/A".
Female
Male
Non-binary/Third Gender
Other
Prefer not to say
How would you describe yourself?
American Indian/Alaskan Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Multiracial
White
Other
Prefer not to say
Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx
Non Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx
Prefer not to say
Educational Background: Highest degree attained at the point of application to the Child Welfare Stipend Program.
High school diploma or GED
AA-Human services-related program)
AA-other
BSW
Bachelor's - Human services-related (but not BSW)
Bachelor's-other
Master's - Human services-related (but not MSW)
Master's - Other
JD/PhD
Other
Prefer not to say
Previous paid child welfare work with a local Department of Social Services in Virginia (LDSS).
None
Less than one year
1-2 years
3-5 years
5 years+
Prefer not to say
Previous paid child welfare work in foster care or adoption with a private agency (not LDSS).
None
Less than one year
1-2 years
3-5 years
5+ years
Prefer not to say
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