Grant Will Expand Social Work Policy Education at Clarke

An $8,000 grant from the Council on Social Work Education will help the Clarke University Social Work Department engage social work students in policy action at the city, state and national levels and empower students to advocate for policies that promote equity and social justice.

“This grant from CSWE will benefit the students in both the Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs at Clarke,” said Tara Velez, assistant professor of Social Work and director of Field Education at Clarke. “The grant will fund a monthly policy luncheon series, which will raise awareness of how policy decisions impact individuals, families, communities and organization. Students will learn about and engage in policy action with local coalitions and committees working for social justice. The grant will fund the students’ travel and participation in legislative day in Des Moines. We are grateful to receive this grant to enhance our existing policy education.”

Overall, the grant will help the Clarke Social Work Department expand and enhance the opportunities for students to see policy in action and practice and develop fundamental policy practice skills.

The is a nonprofit national association representing more than 2,500 individual members, as well as graduate and undergraduate programs of professional social work education. Founded in 1952, this partnership of educational and professional institutions, social welfare agencies, and private citizens is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in this country.

For more information, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318.