Committed to your education. Dedicated to your career.
Child Welfare PREP creates opportunities for you to thrive in a career making a difference for Kentucky’s children and families.
Real money for real expenses.
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A career with impact.
A program to make a change in Kentucky.
See how CW PREP works >
What is CW PREP?
CW PREP is an innovative career preparation program. In return for your commitment to child welfare work, we provide tuition coverage and stipends to help you succeed. Students who successfully complete the program will receive Kentucky’s Public Child Welfare certificate and be qualified for a preferred job placement with the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services.
GROW YOUR SKILLS
Learn what it takes to succeed in the field of child welfare.
GET PAID TO LEARN
Receive generous tuition assistance and stipends.
LAUNCH YOUR CAREER
Get help finding the right job when it’s time.
Got bills? We can help.
Our goal is to prepare you for career success. That means investing in your education and financial growth along the way.
We cover your tuition.
Get your in-state tuition paid in full for up to four semesters.
We give you stipends.
Get $1300 each semester to use as you see fit.
120 counties. 12 institutions. 1 program.
CW PREP is available at these 12 Kentucky universities.
A future you can count on.
Launch your career in a growing field with good starting pay.
1,100+†
GRADUATES
Making a difference in communities.
$54K+‡
STARTING SALARY
While positively impacting Kentucky families.
98%‡
JOB PLACEMENT RATE
Build your future on firm footing.
A career that will change lives.
80% of college graduates want work with meaning and purpose.*
As a child welfare specialist, your impact will know no bounds.
A purpose for your passion.
Build a career and a better world at the same time.
There’s nothing more important.
Protect and serve the needs of vulnerable children.
A fresh approach.
Through innovation and passion, we’re redefining social work.
How does it work?
We give you what you need for success, you give us your best effort.
AM I ELIGIBLE?
To be accepted into CW PREP, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Full-time enrollment in an undergraduate social work program (or eligibility for admittance to a program by the of the semester)
- 2.5 overall GPA and a 3.0 in social work courses at application
- No less than three and no more than four regular semesters before graduation (after current semester)
- No criminal record which includes felony convictions
- Valid driver’s license
WHAT DO I GET?
We make sure you receive everything you need for academic and career success, including:
- Tuition (in state) paid in full for up to four semesters
- $1300 stipend, per semester
- Priority consideration for employment with DCBS
- Specialized training in public child welfare and family well-being
- Access to a supportive network of peers and professionals dedicated to your personal and professional success.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
To receive the benefits listed above, you’ll need to hold up your end of the deal. That means:
- Maintaining entry-level or better GPAs
- Maintaining full-time enrollment each semester in the program
- Be willing to start a rewarding position with Kentucky Department of Community Based Services (DCBS) within two months of graduation AND remain employed for two years
Your career is our focus.
We help pay for your education and help you find a job.
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*Gallup, Inc. (2021). Forging Pathways to Purposeful Work: The Role of Higher Education - Gallup. In Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/education/248222/gallup-bates-purposeful-work-2019.aspx