In What Ways Can I Help?

          Social Work

Social Work is an honored and honorable profession dedicated to helping our most vulnerable citizens and communities move toward more fully realizing their potential and to create a more just society and world. This goal is realized through the use of a wide range of practice methods designed to assist individuals, families, and communities to assess their needs and issues, set goals to address them, and engage in the difficult work of change.

The Division of Social Work at West Virginia University is a well-respected leader in preparing both undergraduate and graduate students for social work careers. The Division is known for its work with human services in rural areas, as well as for its work with the non-profit sector, especially in preparing leaders and managers to work in that area.

The Division continues to attract a high percentage of non-traditional students, many with family responsibilities and limited budgets, to both of its degree programs. Such students often need additional financial support, and scholarships remain a priority. Additionally, the Division is very active in attempting to support research and training for the public and private social service sectors in West Virginia. Funds to support applied research activity, as well as professional conferences for human service professionals and citizens within West Virginia, are always needed.

SOCIAL WORK PRIORITIES

• Student scholarships at the undergraduate and graduate levels
• General programming support for the Burgess Center for West Virginia Families and Communities
• An endowment to create a Center for Non-profit Service and Leadership
• Funds for research awards to graduate students
• Research and training funds for the social service sectors in West Virginia