University Partnership Programs

What is the UPP?

The University Partnership Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program (UPP) is a training program designed to prepare and educate highly motivated social work students to enter the exciting and progressive field of child welfare. It is a collaboration between The Youngstown State University College of Social Work, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Institute of Human Services, Ohio Child Welfare Training Program, Public Children Services Association of Ohio, and public children services agencies in all 88 Ohio counties.

What are the benefits of this program?

  • $5,000 - $10,000 employment incentive for those who complete the program and successfully gain employment in Ohio public child welfare
  • Specialized course work and training in child welfare working with abused and neglected children
  • “Fast-tracking” to full-time employment in child welfare upon graduation
  • Individualized attention and mentoring by UPP coordinator and field instructors
  • Early exposure to and networking in the field of child welfare

Who can participate and how does it work?

BSW students in good standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher can participate. Participating in the UPP program will allow you to specialize in public child welfare in your elective course work and field practicum prior to graduation. You will receive an employment incentive of $5,000(Seniors) - $10,000(Juniors) after earning a social work degree, committing to work for at least one to two years in an Ohio public children   service agency (88 Counties), and obtaining employment at a public children services agency in Ohio.

What are the course requirements and responsibilities for the student?

  • Successful completion of two (2) child welfare courses: SCWK 3726: Child Welfare I (Offered Fall Semester Only) and SCWK 3727: Child Welfare II ( Offered Spring Semester Only)
  • Attend monthly child welfare field placement seminars held by the UPP Coordinator
  • Complete a field placement in a public children service agency in Ohio (ie. Ashtabula, Mahoning, Summit, and Trumbull County Children Service Board)
  • Possess the motivation and enthusiasm to serve vulnerable families from diverse backgrounds

How do I apply for this program?

  • Interested applicants will be asked to participate in an interview with the UPP coordinator prior to acceptance into the program
  • Submit an application, resume, and three references to the UPP Coordinator one to two semesters prior to the beginning of field placement
  • Each academic school year 7-11 BSW students can be accepted into the UPP program
  • Students interested in the Junior’s Program (two year program) need to apply four full semesters prior to field placement

Questions?

Contact Phyllis Johnson, MSSA, LISW-S, ACSW, University Partnership Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program Coordinator, at pjjohnson@ysu.edu.