Title IV-E Idaho Child Welfare Scholar Program
The Idaho Child Welfare Scholar Program provides a stipend to promising BSW ($6,800) and MSW ($8,000) social work students who are committed to practicing social work in the field of child welfare. These stipends are funded through Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. The purpose of this program is to recruit and retain qualified staff in child welfare practice with specialization in the areas of foster care and adoptions.
Students receiving stipends must agree to accept employment in Child and Family Services within the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) or Idaho Tribal Child Welfare (ITCW) for a time period that corresponds with the stipend received. Stipends are available for both potential and current IDHW and ITCW employees. The MSW stipend award is primarily intended to develop advanced skills among experienced IDHW and ITCW employees.
Program Eligibility
BSW and MSW program
- Admission into either the BSW or MSW programs at Boise State University and remain in good academic standing.
- BSW students required to take upper division 15-week Spring child welfare elective.
- MSW students required to take two electives which include a 15-week Spring synchronous child welfare elective and a 15-week related to child welfare elective (such as a trauma, substance abuse or school social work course).
Demonstrate a desire to pursue a career in child welfare or be a full-time employee with Idaho Health and Welfare Department or Idaho Tribal Child Welfare for one continuous year.
Agree to the educational requirements of the Boise State University Scholar Program.
Confirmed field placement in an approved child welfare setting.
Commit to work for the Idaho Division of Child and Family Services (FACS) or Idaho Tribal Child Welfare for a designated period of time after graduation to complete the requirements of the scholar program.
Understand fully that the stipend must be repaid if program commitments are not met.
Must be a U.S. Citizen or a qualified alien, which can include a permanent resident, asylee under Section 208 and a refugee under Section 207.
Application Process
- BSW and MSW, Twin Falls and Boise campus applications will be accepted beginning January 15, 2024. Contact the Scholar Coordinator to determine if applications are still being accepted after March 31, 2024.
- MSW online applications Contact the Scholar Coordinator to determine when and if applications are being accepted.
How to apply
It is highly recommended that you inquire with the Scholars Coordinator regarding questions you have about the application and to inform of your intent to apply. Download the PDF application components from the list below and complete your electronic FERPA Waiver Form, which allows the Scholar Coordinator to release your application packet to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and/or Idaho Tribal Child Welfare upon request when you are being considered for one of the stipends.
The application and references must be submitted electronically to alyssareynolds@boisestate.edu. Do not mail or drop off the application to the Boise State School of Social Work.
To submit your application, either
- Save and email completed and signed application and all attachments (admission acceptance email/letter, essay, and three letters of reference) to AlyssaReynolds@boisestate.edu. Completing the online FERPA Waiver will notify Alyssa of your agreement to waiving your FERPA rights.
- Print, scan and email the completed and signed application and all attachments (admission acceptance email/letter, essay, and three letters of reference) to AlyssaReynolds@boisestate.edu. Completing the online FERPA Waiver will notify Alyssa of your agreement to waiving your FERPA rights.
References may email email their completed and signed forms directly to AlyssaReynolds@boisestate.edu. In the subject line of the email, please list Applicant’s Name – Reference.
Application Components
- Student and Employee Application (PDF)
- Reference Form (PDF)
- FERPA Waiver (Web Form)
- Cancelation of FERPA Waiver (Web Form)
Helpful Documents
- Instructions for Student and Employee Application
- Instructions to Digitally Sign PDF Forms
- Example of Scholars Non-Employee Contract (PDF)
- Example of Scholars Employee Contract (PDF)
Selection Process
Applicants are selected at the end of the Spring semester for the following academic year. Contact the Scholars Coordinator for details.
Screening
A screening process will include an interview and thorough review of all application materials by representatives from the Boise State University School of Social, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and/or Idaho Tribal Child Welfare.