Asbury University Offers New Scholarship Opportunity to Social Work Majors

Asbury Social Work majors may apply to CW PREP to receive financial support for child welfare careers

Asbury University Social Work majors have the opportunity to apply to CW PREP (Child Welfare Preparation Program) to pursue careers serving children and families. Those accepted into the program receive over $13,000 per semester in scholarships for up to four semesters, as well as a $1,400 stipend each semester once in the program, and priority job placement in the state of Kentucky with a starting salary of $56,635.

To be eligible to apply by April 15, 2026, Asbury University (AU) Social Work majors must be 3-4 semesters from graduation, must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 overall and 3.0 in Social Work courses, and must have a valid, unrestricted driver’s license. The application process consists of three steps: application, interview, and decision. 

This exciting opportunity supports our students financially and professionally as they begin learning through direct experience working with some of the most vulnerable young people facing very challenging life situations.”

Sarah Bellew Chair and Associate Professor of Social Work

“This meets a critical need in our state of improving child welfare services while also better equipping our students to advance in social work careers.” 

Asbury University’s accredited Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) prepares students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or to directly enter graduate degree programs. Asbury BSW graduates also receive an accelerated pathway to become licensed therapists through an advanced standing MSW which may be completed in as little as one year at MSW programs across the U.S. 

The mission of Asbury’s BSW Program is to prepare social work graduates who are rooted in the liberal arts, the Christian and Wesleyan perspectives, and social work values and ethics, as preparation for generalist social work practice and as change agents in a variety of diverse populations and settings.

Graduates from the Asbury BWS program pursue careers as case managers, community organizers, child welfare workers, hospice or nursing home case managers, community-based children’s service providers, counselors, non-profit directors, foster and adoption case managers, community first-responders and school social workers. Many students also pursue a master’s degree in social work (MSW), which can lead to licensing as mental health therapists. 

AU Social Work students have opportunities to participate in an international practicum semester in Uganda or Romania. Additional study abroad opportunities include a Holocaust Studies Tour travel course to Germany and Poland, a semester in Spain, and others. 

CW PREP is a transformative career preparation program that creates opportunities for social workers to thrive in careers making a difference for Kentucky’s children and families. CW PREP offers tuition and financial stipends, cutting-edge training, and academic and professional support. Learn more.