BSW Students

Bachelor of Social Work students in their practicum year will deepen their knowledge of opportunities available in public service social work, hone their skills, and build their resilience in this no-cost public service social work training program. Students will graduate from this certificate program more prepared to navigate the current North Carolina social work landscape.

Cost

No cost

Certificate, materials, and sessions, no tuition or fees.

Who it’s for

Practicum Year

Junior-level BSW students at coalition partner schools across NC.

Time commitment

30–36 Hours

Monthly sessions, async learning, and professional learning communities.

Social worker talking with older adults in a park
Eligibility

Requirements & Eligibility

This track is for BSW students in their practicum year at a PSLP coalition partner school in North Carolina.

  • Must be enrolled in a BSW program at one of the 25 PSLP coalition partner campuses in NC
  • Must be a junior-level BSW student in their practicum year
  • Must be able to attend the required orientation
  • Must be able to attend the monthly webinars
Program structure

What to Expect

The BSW Student Certificate combines orientation, monthly learning, and practicum-aligned activities.

  • Active participation in all scheduled content sessions
  • Engagement in monthly webinars
  • Attendance at required in-person events
  • Orientation session and 30–36 hours of certificate content
Social workers talking with an older man at an outdoor table
Community members building a garden together
Why it matters

Why Participate in PSLP?

PSLP is designed to build core competencies in social work practice and set you up for success in your new career.

  • Certificate of Participation through the Social Work Coalition
  • Network with social work professionals, faculty, and students across 25 partner campuses in North Carolina
  • Connect with other social work students in your community
  • Access to mentors and social work practitioners in state agencies and community organizations
  • Expanded practicum placement opportunities and connections
  • Early access to a professional network across NC state agencies and community organizations

Key Dates and Timeline

Dates will be posted when finalized.

Application Timeline

Applications released: [DATE]Applications close: [DATE]Decisions go out: [DATE]Acceptances due: [DATE]

Program Timeline

Information session: [DATE]Content begins: [DATE]Content delivery: [DATES]PLC / webinars: [DATES]In-person dates: [DATES]Closing session: [DATE]

Next steps

How To Apply

The application includes a short form, personal statement, and references. Details on the application portal will be posted here when applications open.

Close-up of hands filling out paperwork at a table

Questions?

Reach out to [email protected].

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to participate?
No. Participation is offered at no cost.
Who runs PSLP?
PSLP is housed within the Office of Community Engagement and Outreach at the UNC School of Social Work, with coordinators and liaisons regionally located at coalition partner schools.
How much time will this take?
The program requires 30–36 hours of content over the course of the program year, plus attendance at specific in-person and virtual events.
Does the practicum count toward my BSW degree hours?
PSLP does not replace any required coursework. It is designed to work alongside your existing schedule.
What schools are included in the NC Social Work Coalition?
The coalition includes 26 social work programs across 25 partner campuses in North Carolina. View the partner schools map for the full list.
Who do I contact with questions?
Reach out to [email protected].