Students are welcome to change their major to pre-social work or exploratory studies in social work during the specific windows set by the University. (Click here to view the Academic Calendar.)

Current UK Students: Students who plan to change their major to pre-social work or exploratory studies in social work are encouraged to contact an academic advisor in the College of Social Work. Students may change their major to pre-social work before completing pre-major requirements and are encouraged to discuss how a major change would impact their graduation plan with a social work advisor.

CW PREP is an innovative workforce development program implemented by the Department of Community Based Services and eleven university undergraduate social work programs. The goal of CW PREP is profoundly simple – foster an unparalleled pathway for recruiting, supporting, and retaining a vibrant, dynamic child welfare workforce.

Students accepted into the CW PREP program are provided in-state tuition and a generous stipend each semester alongside specialized training and career support. In exchange for their commitment to public child welfare, they accept a two-year employment commitment with the Cabinet upon successful completion of the program.

Benefits

• Up to four semesters of paid in-state tuition
• A $1300 stipend per semester
• Priority consideration for employment with DCBS
• Job coaching and counseling
• Early-career support after graduation

Eligibility

• Full-time enrollment in an undergraduate social work program (or eligibility for admittance to a program by the end of the semester)
• No less than three and no more than four regular semesters before graduation (after the current semester)
• Minimum 2.5 overall GPA and 3.0 GPA in social work courses at the time of application
• Valid driver’s license or other form of identification

Education/Training Requirements

• Two specific child welfare courses (taken in sequence)
• Both practicum placements with the state-administered child protection agency
• Nine days of CHFS Protective Services training in your last semester
• Fall and Spring weekend retreats (required attendance every term in the program)

Contractual Obligations

• Maintaining entry-level or better GPAs
• Maintaining full-time enrollment each semester in the program
• Accepting a position with the Department of Community Based Services within two months of graduation and remaining employed for two years
• At application, you will identify 10 counties within Kentucky in which you would be willing to work and accept a job in one of these counties.
• Reimbursing the program for all costs incurred on your behalf in the event of your failure to meet your contractual obligation

For more information or questions about CW PREP, please contact Erin Mayhorn – erin.mayhorn@uky.edu