The University of Michigan School of Social Work is excited to pilot a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training Program. Under the leadership of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the DEI Training Program recognizes the critical importance of emerging social workers to be able to engage in organization and structural advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion to move towards a more socially just world. By equipping MSW students with the tools and knowledge to navigate complex social dynamics, challenge systemic inequalities, and promote inclusive practices, we aim to foster a new generation of social workers who can effectively advocate for historically marginalized communities and contribute to the development of equitable policies and programs.
The DEI Training Program aims to provide MSW students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a variety of settings using micro, mezzo, and macro practice skills. The program aims to prepare them for a wide range of roles in social work, where they can actively contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable communities.
This program integrates intraprofessional and interprofessional educational opportunities to maximize learning with, from, and about other professionals to develop skills in collaborative change efforts to increase culture and climate consistent with principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
DEI Training Program Funding
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Full-Time Students: up to $6,000 per term (4 terms for 16-month or 20-month students / 3 terms for 12-month students)
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Part-Time Students: up to $3,000 per term
Specialized Courses and Training
DEI Program students are required to engage in the following curricular components:
- Complete field practicum in a site focused on the advancement of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Field practicum will require in-person, onsite field attendance.
- Attend group supervision sessions on Thursdays
- Restorative Justice in Social Work Practice
- African Centered Social Work Practice
- Microaggressions Course
- Plan and implement a Social Justice Conference.
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Complete Rackham DEI and Dismantling Oppression certificate program.
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Encouraged to attend additional specialized opportunities related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and cohort building.
Upon completion of the program, DEI Training Program students are prepared to seek employment across a wide variety of public and private settings including mental health, behavioral health, physical health, community-based health agencies, child welfare, K-12 schools, social service agencies, higher education, and public service organizations.
Eligibility Criteria
Each Scholar must:
- Enroll as an on-campus or online MSW student.
- Select any Pathway available to your MSW program.
- Availability to participate in formal and informal extracurricular scholar cohort activities and meetings.
- Be available for DEI Training activities on Thursdays between 9a-5p (Eastern Time) for the duration of the program.
- Agree to participate in pre and post evaluation of experience.
Application
- MSW applicants meeting DEI eligibility criteria that are interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion are invited to apply.
- Application deadlines: December 1, 2023 (early application), February 1, 2024 (priority), March 1, 2024. Selection of applicants will be made from all dates with priority given to applicants that meet the December and February deadlines.
- Deferred admits planning to enroll in fall 2024 must submit their special program application by November 1, 2023.
- Financial need will be considered in the review of special program applications.
- Your MSW application must be complete by the scholarship deadline.
- If you would like to apply to the DEI Training Program, then please answer “yes” to the question, “Do you plan to apply to an SSW Special Program?” found on the Financial Assistance page of the MSW online application and select the DEI Training Program checkbox. The DEI Training Program application page will be added to the end of your MSW application.
- Be sure to include your name and “DEI Training Program Statement” in the upper corner of your statement before you upload it to your application.
DEI Training Program Leadership
Coordinator: Daicia Price
Co-Coordinator: Keyshawn McMiller
Field Faculty Lead: Rosalva Osario
For more information about the DEI Training Program, contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management at (734) 936-0961 or ssw.msw.info@umich.edu.