 has allocated $5 million across 12 Michigan universities){kind=link}
Lansing, Michigan – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has allocated $5 million across 12 Michigan universities. This funding is designated for $30,000 stipends for students aiming for a master’s degree in social work. These students must also agree to work in the state’s behavioral health sector after they graduate.
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The initiative, known as the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) to Master of Social Work (MSW) Program, is designed to bolster the number of qualified master’s-level social workers specializing in behavioral health across Michigan. It offers a one-time $30,000 stipend to those with a bachelor’s degree in social work who enroll in a full-time advanced MSW program and commit to working for at least two years in Michigan’s public behavioral health sector.
“This program is another investment by the state to increase access to behavioral health care for Michigan families,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We are committed to helping families access behavioral health care services when and where they need them. We anticipate up to 150 students will be able to obtain their master’s degree in social work through this program.”
The funds were distributed based on the number of students in each university’s advanced MSW program, typical student loan debt, and the diversity of the student body. Several Michigan universities have received these funds:
- Andrews University – $208,236
- Eastern Michigan University – $371,976
- Ferris State University – $167,169
- Grand Valley State University – $384,339
- Madonna University – $314,824
- Michigan State University – $498,358
- Northern Michigan University – $90,578
- Oakland University – $409,741
- Saginaw Valley State University – $188,063
- Spring Arbor University – $511,468
- University of Michigan – $853,394
- Wayne State University – $1,001,848
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Participating universities are set to engage qualified students for the program, guiding them as they start their journey towards earning an MSW degree. Students must enroll in a full-time advanced standing MSW program. The duration of this program varies by university but typically spans three semesters, which is roughly one year.