The University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work (CoSW) has initiated a partnership with other higher education institutions in the Commonwealth. They have launched a program called Child Welfare (CW) PREP. The program aims to equip students for careers in child welfare work by offering free tuition, a stipend, and job placement assistance.
CW PREP provides in-state tuition for up to four semesters and a $1,300 stipend each semester. This financial aid helps students manage their expenses. Graduates of the program also receive preferential status for job opportunities at the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, which operates in all 120 Kentucky counties.
The program combines academic learning with practical career training. Students acquire the skills needed for public child welfare work. After graduation, the program continues to support students with transition assistance, mentorship, and preferred admission to graduate school tuition support programs.
Jay Miller, the dean of CoSW, views the program as an important initiative for training dedicated professionals. Over 1,100 CW PREP graduates are already contributing to their communities.