Aging and Adult Services MSW Training Stipend

The Aging and Adult Service MSW Training Program offers stipends to eligible MSW students who are selected to participate. The stipends are provided as financial support during the training year to assist students with their educational expenses.

Stipend Amount

• For full-time students: $25,000 per academic year, disbursed in two installments of $12,500 each.
• For part-time students: $12,500 per academic year, disbursed in two installments of $6,250 each.

About the Program

The Aging and Adult Services MSW Training Program, funded by the California Office of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), is a statewide initiative aimed at preparing MSW students for effective aging and adult service employment in publicly funded programs. San Jose State University administers the state-wide initiative. The program promotes the integration of aging and adult services with other public systems and seeks to enhance the retention and development of MSWs in aging and adult service programs in California.

Trainee Selection and Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to first year and second MSW students who meet the following criteria: 

• Enrolled in participating MSW programs (full-time, advanced standing, part-time, virtually, or on-campus).
• Good academic standing in either the foundation year or advanced year of MSW study.
• Matched with practicum placements at sites receiving public funding for aging and adult services.
• Not receiving funding support from other HCAI-administered training or scholarship programs. 

The program seeks MSW students who demonstrate:

• Interest and commitment to learning about aging and adult services care in public service settings.
• Linguistic and cultural competencies relevant to underserved consumers in California.
• Strong and sustained commitment to careers as aging and adults service providers in publicly funded programs. 

For students applying for the Aging and Adult Service MSW Training Program at USC, eligibility means students graduating in: 

• Spring semester: will receive the highest priority in the selection process.
• Summer semester: can apply for now but they will receive lower priority until the school can evaluate case-by-case if a student will be able to complete training requirements on time.
• Fall semester: are not eligible to apply at this stage

Practicum Training Requirements

Foundation-year trainees contribute to the delivery of publicly funded aging and adult services, while second-year trainees provide such services. Eligible practicum training sites include Adult Protective Services, In Home Supportive Services or Public Guardian/Public Conservator unit, a specialized behavioral health program for aging and vulnerable adults in a public Adult Services or Behavioral Health Department or an Area Agency on Aging program funded by the California Department of Aging that provide publicly funded aging and adult service programs and services.

Practicum Seminar Expectations

Foundation-year and second-year trainees must register for their respective first- and second-year practicum seminars (SOWK 591, SOWK 593 or SOWK 691, SOWK 693). In addition, students will be required to take one elective to develop their clinical skills to work in aging and adult services and to secure California licensure. 

• SOWK 612: Assessment of Mental Disorders 
  Trainees are expected to participate in all program meetings and trainings, complete surveys, provide updated contact information and fulfill post-graduation obligations.

Additional Training Commitments

Graduates are required to provide 12 months of full-time employment as aging and adult service providers in publicly funded programs in California. They must also pursue LCSW licensure in California. If trainees fail to complete the 12-month employment requirement, they may be subject to fulfill post-graduation repayment obligations.

For specific eligibility questions or more information, please contact Kelley Macmillan, PhD, MSW Associate Professor of Social Work Practicum Education and Aging and Adult Service Coordinator for USC via email: kmacmill@usc.edu.