New York City
ACS expands scholarship program to provider staff pursuing social work
The awards will go to for those pursuing a Master’s degree
Left to Right): Deputy Commissioner Andrew White (ACS), Commissioner Jess Dannhauser (ACS), Dr. Sophine Charles (COFCCA), Dr. Norma Uriguen (ACS), Karen Dixon (Harlem Dowling), Associate Commissioner Cheryl Beamon (ACS) attend an in-person announcement of the ACS Provider Agency Scholarship Program, which was attended by ACS and provider agency leadership as well as prospective applicants. Image courtesy of the New York City Administration for Children's Services.
A new scholarship program supporting provider staff who are committed to working in child welfare and juvenile justice systems and want to obtain their Master’s in social work is now available from the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, the agency announced Monday. The Provider Agency Scholarship Program includes tuition support and continuous professional development.
“The Provider Scholarship Program is an expansion of our existing programming available to ACS staff to support professional development,” said ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser in a released statement.
“As a social worker myself, I know how much a MSW can further advance the work we do with families, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive and succeed,” she added. “This new program is a wonderful way to recognize provider staff who have demonstrated incredible commitment to working in New York City’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems and provide them with real support in advancing their training and career.”
Fifty Master’s in social work scholarships will be awarded in the first year. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, applicants need two years of satisfactory job performance, a current performance evaluation of “Very Good,” no pending disciplinary action, and letters of recommendation from agency senior leadership. Applicants must also be accepted into an accredited MSW program and are required to commit to working in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems in New York City for up to two years following graduation.
“In New York City, we are making sure all those in child welfare are supported with the right training and professional development to help make them experts in their fields,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams in the statement. “ACS’s Provider Scholarship Program is yet another way for individuals who work tirelessly on behalf of children and families to provide the highest level of expertise to those they serve.”