NCDHHS-Division of Social Services is pleased to announce the redesign of the Child Welfare Education Collaborative (CWEC). Effective July 1, 2024, participating CWEC Schools of Social Work began offering the redesigned DHHS Child Welfare Pre-Service Training (PST) curriculum to Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students pursuing careers in public child welfare.

Since its establishment in 1999, CWEC has served as a strategic investment in North Carolina's child welfare workforce, preparing more than 1,500 highly qualified child welfare professionals across the state. Research and program outcomes consistently demonstrate that CWEC graduates have higher retention rates than other newly hired child welfare workers and are more likely to advance into leadership positions. 

Mission
CWEC’s mission is to strengthen the public child welfare workforce in NC and improving outcomes for children, youth and  families. 

Why CWEC Matters
North Carolina, like many states across the nation, is experiencing a significant child welfare workforce crisis that has affected the ability of county departments of social services to recruit and retain qualified professionals. CWEC addresses these workforce challenges by partnering with colleges and universities to cultivate a pipeline of well-prepared social workers committed to careers in public child welfare. Through specialized pre-service training and field education, CWEC graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to assume child welfare and responsibilities upon hire making them valuable assets to local agencies.

As part of the program's redesign, three Social Work programs participated in the 2025 Innovation Zone to pilot the administration of CWEC student stipends. The stipend program continues to expand, with additional Schools of Social Work expected to join during the next academic year. This phased expansion will strengthen the statewide recruitment pipeline, increase student access to financial support, and further advance the development of a highly skilled and sustainable public child welfare workforce.

CWEC In Action
CWEC graduates are making a difference across North Carolina's child welfare system. Explore stories highlighting their career journeys, professional growth, and contributions to strengthening services for children and families. We also celebrate the accomplishments of this year's graduates and the continued success of the partnerships between the universities, county DSS agencies and DHHS.

Become a CWEC Scholar
Whether you are currently enrolled in a BSW or MSW program, or are considering pursuing a social work degree, CWEC offers a unique opportunity to prepare for a rewarding career in public child welfare.

If you are interested in becoming a scholar, we encourage you to connect with the CWEC liaison at one of the participating Schools of Social Work. CWEC liaisons can provide information about program eligibility, the application process, the Child Welfare Pre-Service (PST) curriculum, field education opportunities, and available stipend funding.

To learn more, select a participating school below to access its CWEC contact information and explore available opportunities.

Affiliated Schools of Social Work
Appalachian State University*
Barton College
Bennett College
Campbell University
East Carolina University*
Fayetteville State University
Johnson C. Smith University
Mars Hill University
Methodist University
NC Agricultural and Technical State University*
NC Central University
NC State University
UNC Greensboro
UNC Pembroke
UNC Wilmington

*Stipend Schools

Contact
Please email us for more information
Email: CWEC@dhhs.nc.gov

Resources
Child Welfare Education Collaborative (CWEC) Manual
Social Work Realistic Job Preview Video
Education and Training Opportunities
CWEC Student Application Submissions

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