Julia MouketoThe D.C. Council’s recent announcement of a free Master’s in Social Work (MSW) program at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) in VanNess will address the city’s social worker shortage. This shortage, highlighted by a significant 11.6% increase in homelessness in 2023, has put a strain on the district’s social services and mental health support systems.
Dr. Anika S. Burtin, Chair of UDC’s Education, Health, and Social Work Department, emphasized the program’s distinct role in meeting the city’s unique needs.
“Our goal is to create a program that not only educates but also directly contributes to solving the city’s most pressing social issues, particularly mental health and homelessness,” Burtin said.
The program, awaiting accreditation from the Council of Social Work Education, will be distinct from similar programs at Howard and Catholic Universities by ensuring a unique focus on the District’s specific challenges.
D.C. Councilmember Robert White was unavailable for an interview, but his spokesperson shared the importance of this topic with the politician through an email with the Wash.
After becoming the chair of the housing committee, White was confronted with the issue of homeless encampment clearings, notably at McPherson Square, and his interactions with unhoused residents who were waiting for housing vouchers due to process delays made him realize there was a shortage of caseworkers, the spokesperson said.
White’s experience led to the creation of the Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act. This will provide $6 million for four years as funding for the degree program at UDC for D.C. residents. The funds will cover the cost of books, exams, and living expenses.
“This isn’t just about education; it’s about equipping our residents with the tools to make a tangible difference in the lives of many. It’s about uplifting our community from within,” White said in a release from his office.
Councilmember White emphasized the program’s importance in addressing the city’s systemic issues and making a lasting impact on the district.
Will Doyle is the vice president of Housing First, a program at Pathways to Housing DC, a nonprofit whose mission is to help those who experience homelessness in the district.
As a licensed clinical social worker, Doyle said that the nonprofit — which works closely with social workers, was impacted by the shortage.
“We would be able to employ many more [social workers], but due to the shortage, we can’t,” Doyle said.
The free Masters in Social Work program at UDC marks a significant step towards addressing the social worker shortage in D.C., offering solutions to some of the city’s most persistent challenges. The program, expected to begin in the fall of 2024 at UDC, will directly invest in the city’s future because it will target the district’s residents. Furthermore, a free education in social work will bridge the gap to higher education and provide jobs to many.
Maria Lawson
Wash staff
The Wash Staff
I love the article you wrote, but when I went to UDC July 2024 to inquire about this free MSW program. I was told that they are looking for staff to fill accreditation requirements and there is only going to be 20 students selected in the first begining stages and applications won’t be accepted until 2025.
I am trying desperately to get information on the program, and have not been successful! Is it possible to get a phone call from a person/ counselor familiar with the program. I previously sent a request via the UDC site. In addition, to having made a phone call, and was told, someone would be giving me a return call. Your attention to this matter will greatly, be appreciated .
They have already reserved seats for a particular group they already work with in some private ministry. Director of program only shares this with her private ministry program
Urgently seeking the information for the program
Did you find out? I know the director of the masters program at UDC, Dr. Brade, also conducts zoom meetings under her Christian leadership ministry telling them that they can get a master’s degree for free.
It think it’s reserved for her ministry. I’ve contact everyone in that department and no one replies.
It seems to me this would be incredibly improper. This is a public university and this initiative would be with the use of public funds. Sounds like nepotism to me.
How can I apply
This email is for you Mrs. Mouketo. My name is Mr. Yusuf A. Rahman a DC resident. I was accepted in what I thought was such a program this fall school year of 2024 at UDC come to find out the funds for that program was being used for another program and the MSW program at UDC does not start until the fall of 2025.
Moreover the accountability for insuring that DC residents only benefit from this program which the guidelines stipulates is awful thus giving students that are not from DC and are from majority Maryland and some from parts of Virginia these funds is appalling to say the least . Please get in contact with me I would like to tell you more
I am in Phoenix Arizona and I came across this information a couple of weeks ago I would be very much interested in the Masters program for social work and would be interested in relocating if at all possible. I would like more information about the program. I would also like to know if the general masters in social work if it’s offered online?