Social Work in Juvenile Justice (SWJJ) Stipend

The Social Work in Juvenile Justice (SWJJ) stipend program is funded by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) in partnership with the California Health and Human Services Agency, Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR). The project will train students to engage with juvenile justice-impacted youth or those at-risk for involvement in the juvenile justice system. 

Stipend Amount 

$40,000 per academic year, disbursed in two installments of $20,000 each. 

About the Project 

Students who are accepted in this program will be required to complete USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck’s social work minor in juvenile justice undergraduate courses and a total of 300 practicum hours in one year so that upon graduation or soon thereafter, they qualify as a Wellness Coach I or II. 

For more information, please contact Assistant Professor Robert Hernandez or Associate Professor Umeka Franklin. 

Eligibility Criteria 

To qualify and remain eligible for this juvenile justice stipend, recipients must do the following: 

• Submit your most recent academic transcript and be in good academic standing (3.0+ GPA).
• Submit a letter of interest outlining your motivation for joining the program, your passion for social justice, and how the program aligns with your academic and professional goals.
• Provide a current resume or CV, highlighting relevant experiences such as internships, volunteer work, or other roles related to youth engagement or community service.
• Submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, teacher, coach, or agency representative familiar with the applicant’s commitment or experience working with youth, emphasizing the applicant’s preparedness for the program’s coursework and practicum experience.
• Qualified students will participate in an interview with the program’s faculty or co-principal investigators.
• If selected, sign a commitment letter confirming your dedication to completing the program and pursuing employment in the juvenile justice system after graduation.
• Complete 300 hours of practicum spread over two semesters, located in varied Los Angeles community-based organizations centered in juvenile justice.
• Participate in enhanced training and professional development sessions to deepen knowledge and exposure to critical skills and evidence-based interventions for justice-involved youth and their families.
• Complete the following four courses in addition to practicum hours:
  • SOWK 200 Institutional Inequality in American Political and Social Policy
  • SOWK 324 Juvenile Justice in America
  • SOWK 350 Adolescent Gang Intervention
  • SOWK 424 Community Experience in Juvenile Justice Environments
  • SOWK XXX Practicum Hours
• Participate in an orientation prior to the start of their SWJJ program to review all requirements for the program.
• Participate in an annual juvenile justice academic symposium that will serve as a professional development opportunity and a networking event for students, faculty, and community partners. 

How to Apply 

Applications will open in January 2026.