Workforce for Student Well-being (WSW) is a conditional-grant program for graduate-level students interested in pursuing school-based social work in Washington state’s high-need K-12 public or tribal schools. The goal of the initiative is to increase the size, diversity and skills of school mental health professionals across the state.
Participating social work students receive up to $30,000 in grants by agreeing to complete specialized training in a WSW-approved local education agency (LEA) and by serving two years in a state high-need public or tribal school following graduation.
Students participating in the program are also required to:
- Earn a 12-hour state Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificate.
- Participate in an annual WSW conference, a professional networking retreat.
- Complete pre-service online training, including a 30-hour Community of Practice experience with peers.
- Receive post-graduation job placement and licensure support.
Note: International students are only eligible for the WSW traineeship if they have guaranteed work authorization after their education visa has expired.
For more detailed information about this program, download WSW At a Glance.