Q. I am currently a BSW student in my senior year at another institution that is neither Coppin or UMBC. Am I still eligible to apply for the MSW fellowship if I plan to attend UMB in the fall?
A. Yes. Any incoming student planning to enroll at UMB for advanced standing status is eligible to apply. Incoming foundation students would have to wait until their 2nd year.
Q. I am currently a BSW student in my junior year at another institution that is neither Coppin or UMBC. Am I still eligible to apply for the BSW fellowship if I remain at my current institution to complete my senior year?
A. No. At the current time, the BSW fellowship program is only open to students who are completing their senior year at Coppin State or UMBC.
Q. Does tuition assistance also apply to BSW fellows?
A. No, tuition assistance is specific to MSW fellows.
Q. Does the monthly stipend for living expenses apply to BSW fellows?
A. Yes, BSW fellows will receive a monthly stipend of $1000 for 8 months (Sep-Apr) to pay for living expenses.
Q. Does my service obligation begin after I complete my BSW?
A. No. BSW fellows must meet the admission requirements for UMB’s advanced standing status and are expected to apply when eligible. The service obligation begins after you complete your MSW program at UMB.
Q. Am I still eligible to apply if I chose another institution to complete my MSW other than UMB?
A. No. At the current time, the MSW fellowship track is only open to students who plan to complete their degree at UMB.
Q. Am I required to attend graduate school if I am selected for the BSW track?
A. Yes, the expectation is that BSW fellows meet the requirements for UMB’s advanced standing status and apply for enrollment when eligible. Students will also have support with provisional admittance to UMB’s Advanced Standing program.
Q. What are the benefits for BSW fellows?
A. Incentives for BSW students are similar to the MSW track with exception of tuition assistance, exam preparation and related licensure fees. In addition to receiving a monthly stipend, BSW students will also have support with provisional admittance to UMB’s Advanced Standing program, access to intensive and immersive training, covered membership cost to an approved organization, quarterly mentorship and a one time professional clothing stipend.
Q. Would I need to reapply for the MSW track if I successfully completed the BSW fellowship?
A. BSW fellows transitioning to the MSW track with advanced standing status will have priority in the application process. This is based on continuation of the investment in their preparation for a career in school based social work. An updated commitment agreement would also be required upon starting your advanced year at UMB.
Q. Do I have to change placements if I apply for this fellowship?
A. Students applying for the fellowship must be placed in a school based or expanded school based mental health setting. School based placements can include Maryland public or non-public placements that serve publicly funded students. It can also include community based agencies that provide mental health services in approved K-12 settings.
Q. Do I have to be a student of color to apply?
A. All students are welcome to apply for this opportunity. Based on the priorities identified in the federal grant, this program is intended to enroll fellows that reflect both race and cultural identities of the communities we serve in the Central Maryland area.
Q. Is there a required GPA to remain in the program?
A. Yes. Participation in the program requires that fellows maintain good academic standing with a 3.0 or higher.