February 6, 2013
The social work program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University has been awarded a $20,000 grant by the Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program (CWPEP) to construct a Social Work Education and Training Center in Jesse Dunn 307 to be completed in the summer of 2013.
"Being awarded this grant allows the Department of Social Work to create an exceptional educational experience for students through establishing a congruent space of teaching, learning, research and support services,” said Kylene Rehder, social work program director.
This grant project will create a center to be used for educational and training purposes for social work students, CWPEP students and Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) child welfare specialists in the region.
“The goal is to create a place for students to research, learn and study,” Rehder said.
“Also, we plan to create a space for educational events and training seminars associated with the Department of Social Work and OKDHS,” Rehder said.
The Social Work Education and Training Center will create more opportunities for academic excellence, skill building activities and a development for an appreciation for professional development and life-long learning.
“The importance of continuing education for effective social work practice is well documented, so this center will support the expectation of professional practice,” Rehder said.
This grant is being administered by the University of Oklahoma on behalf of the OKDHS in order to assist the department in retaining quality social workers in the public child welfare system.
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