Become a PCWCP Student

Prepare for Your Future with a Rewarding Opportunity

PCWCP selects outstanding juniors and seniors enrolled in Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs at the 11 participating universities. Juniors and seniors are selected through a rigorous application and interview process from competitive selection pools at each participating university.  

While in PCWCP, students are required to take two academic courses related to child welfare, complete specialized training, attend bi-annual retreats, and participate in a practicum experience in a local DCBS office. Continue reading for more details on this opportunity.

Student writing in notebook.

Who is eligible?

Full-time BSW Social Work Major

Overall Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above

Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above in Social Work courses

Receive no less than a “B” in the required PCWCP and field courses

Minimum of three (3), no more than four (4), semesters left before graduation

Currently not employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license

PCWCP has provided me with the opportunity to gain knowledge and confidence on how to advocate for Kentucky families and children. I cannot wait to go out and make a difference in their lives!
-Aaliyah Crawford, BSW
Eastern Kentucky University | Spring 2022 PCWCP Graduate
Image of student in graduation cap and gown.

Benefits of the program

Your in-state tuition will be paid (the Cabinet will pay tuition at private universities equal to the highest tuition rate at a participating public university) through this program for three or four semesters.

You will be provided a stipend of $1,300 per Fall and Spring semesters ($650 for Summer), to pay for fees, books, and travel-related to this program for three or four semesters. 

Upon graduation, after successfully completing all requirements of the program, you will receive PCWCP Certification. In addition, you will be assisted in acquiring employment with the Department for Community Based Services consistent with state personnel requirements.

What would your obligations be?

PCWCP participants will be obligated, by contract, to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). Listed below is a brief (not exclusive) summary of obligations. Please refer to the agreement for a comprehensive listing of responsibilities and expectations.

Participating students:

Will complete the necessary requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree in Social Work and PCWCP certification within two years from the effective date of their contract.

Will have to complete a field practicum with CHFS, DCBS, Protection and Permanency, in a child welfare position.

Will maintain full-time status in the fall and spring semesters. 

Must attend all mandatory retreats while in the program.

Must participate in two (2) PCWCP trainings during their last semester in addition to the Retreat.

Will be responsible for all tuition, fees or other school-related expenses not covered by their contract.

Must apply for and accept full-time employment with CHFS, DCBS in a child welfare position in the Social Service Worker series.

Must successfully complete their probationary period and remain employed with CHFS, DCBS for at least two (2) years.

Who fail to meet the terms of their contract must repay CHFS, DCBS the cost of tuition and stipend(s) paid to both the school and student.

PCWCP has allowed me to grow professionally as it has provided me with opportunities to grow my skills through trainings and hands on practice. I am proud to say that I am a PCWCP graduate.
-Holli Blair, BSW
Eastern Kentucky University | Spring 2023 PCWCP Graduate

Participating Universities

The following universities participate in the PCWCP program. Students interested in applying to PCWCP should select their university below and contact the PCWCP Site Coordinator to start the application process.

The Public Child Welfare Certification Program is a program of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Eastern Kentucky University Training Resource Center (EKU-TRC) is the program administrator | EKU-TRC is a proud partner of the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services | All Rights Reserved
FUNDING IS WHOLE OR IN PART WITH FEDERAL OR STATE FUNDS M/D/F, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.