University Partnership Program (UPP)

Ohio Departmnet of Children & Youth

Building a high-quality child welfare workforce, one student at a time.

Join the University Partnership Program (UPP)

The University Partnership Program is Ohio’s commitment to improving outcomes for children and families by strengthening its child welfare workforce. It is a unique and beneficial partnership among the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY), 12 accredited social work programs at Ohio private and public universities, Ohio’s University Consortium for Child and Adult Services (OUCCAS), the Public Children’s Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO), and Ohio’s 85 Public Children Service Agencies (PCSAs).

I graduated from Ohio University as a UPP student and found great value in my time as a student intern. The learning that I had from the classroom to the field was amazing. Being able to be a field instructor for UPP at The Ohio State University College of Social Work has allowed me to continue to pass on the knowledge and guidance that I received so many years ago to the next generation of child welfare professionals. The work of child welfare is not easy, it is tireless and thankless job at times but pouring into students and allowing them to gain the experience prior to employment has been wonderful. As an instructor I’ve learned that allowing the students to have a safe and welcomed space to discuss what they are learning freely and safely is important as they learn and grow in their own child welfare experience.”

Program Benefits

• Up to $4,000 Experiential Learning Reimbursement
  each semester
• $5,000 Employment Incentive for those who complete the program and successfully gain full-time employment at a PCSA
• Specialized coursework & training in child welfare.
• Direct path to employment at a PCSA post-graduation.
• Mentorship & networking with UPP professionals and Peers

Who is Eligible to Participate?

• BSSW, MSW I, MSW II and MSW ASAP students preparing to start their field practicum
• Current PCSA employees interested in completing an employment-based placement (EBP)
• Anyone with an interest in learning about child welfare who is motivated & enthusiastic to serve vulnerable families from diverse backgrounds

Required Coursework

In addition to being motivated and enthusiastic to serve vulnerable families from diverse backgrounds, you will need:

• 2 UPP specific child welfare courses: SWK 5007 & 5008
• Bi-weekly child welfare field practicum seminar for BSSW Students only (4188.01 & 4188.02).
• Field practicum in a public children services agency in Ohio (BSSW/SWK4189; MSW I/SWK6189; MSW II & MSW ASAP/SWK7189).

I spent one year as a UPP intern at Franklin County Children Services and could not have been better prepared. My UPP internship gave me the hands-on experience I needed to be a successful caseworker. I was able to shadow in all the different departments and gain a well-rounded view of everything we do to ensure child safety and strengthen families. I loved meeting with the other interns regularly to learn through one another’s experiences. I am now entering my sixth year of employment in the child welfare field and still draw upon what I learned every day!”