School Social Work Training Academy

The SSWTA cohort and instructors pose smiling as a group in a classroom. A round black table with water bottles and plastic cups and a black chair are in the foreground.

There is a critical shortage of well-qualified school social workers to meet the needs posed by the youth mental health crisis. MSW students seeking to make an immediate, meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families have the unique opportunity to acquire advanced skills and experience and boost their employability through NYU Silver’s School Social Work Training Academy (SSWTA). 

Launched in Fall 2023, in collaboration with the New York City Public Schools, the SSWTA prepares NYU Silver MSW students for careers providing young people and their families high-quality social and behavioral health support, helping to shift the trajectories of students toward academic, social, and professional success.

NYU Silver MSW students accepted to the SSWTA learn together as part of a cohort and receive support from a team of experienced faculty, staff, and school social work professionals. Those who have experience working within New York City Public Schools are strongly encouraged to apply.

Students may enter this specialization in their Generalist or Specialized Practice year.

Learning Objectives and Opportunities

  • Academic Courses: Students will take courses related to the practice of school social work.
  • Practicum placement: Students will complete their practicum at a school-based setting in New York City. Practicum placements are available in all five boroughs.
  • Seminar Series: Students will participate in 16 hours of seminars focused on restorative practices and the use of innovative tools to support assessment and intervention
  • Career Preparation: Students will have the opportunity to participate in training that will prepare graduates to apply for their certification in school social work.
  • Financial Assistance: Stipends are provided to students in the specialization with disbursements in the Fall and Spring semesters

Required Coursework

Students who enter SSWTA during the Generalist Practice year must enroll in:

  • Social Work Practice I - School/Youth Focused Section (4 credits)
  • Social Work Practice II - School/Youth Focused Section (3 credits)

Students in their Specialized Practice year must enroll in:

  • Social Work Practice III - Youth Focused Section (3 credits)
  • Social Work Practice & Interventions in Urban School Settings (3 credits)

Seminar Series & Required Learning

  • Students will complete required online modules about the practice of school social work prior to starting practicum.
  • Students in their Generalist year will complete 10 hours of seminar training: 5 hours in September and 5 hours in January.
  • Students in their Specialized year will complete 16 hours of seminar training: 5 hours in September, 5 hours in January, and 6 hours spread out throughout the year.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Students must be in good academic standing
  • Students must have weekday availability between 8AM-3PM to complete practicum.
  • Students must be able to take the required coursework, described above.
  • Students must indicate interest in this Specialization in the Practicum interest forms.
  • Students must be available to attend seminars and may be excused from Practicum to attend.
  • Students in the 32-Month Program are not eligible due to their course of study.
  • Students in the 16-Month Accelerated Program are not eligible to enter SSWTA in their Generalist Practice year. They may apply to enter in their Specialized Practice Year.

For Prospective Students: Applying to the SSWTA

In order to apply to the SSWTA, you must:

  1. Attend at least one Specialized Programs Information Session
  2. Indicate your interest in the SSWTA on your MSW program application
  3. In 1.5 pages (12 point font, double-spaced) or a 5-minute recorded video on the platform of your chocie, students submit a Personal Statement of Interest detailing:
    1. Your interest in the SSWTA and whether you wish to participate for one year (2024-2025) or two years (2024-2026)
    2. Previous work experience with youth and families
    3. Your commitment to urban education and working with NYC youth and families
  4. Be prepared to participate in a 20 minute interview if you have submitted your application for the SSWTA and have been offered admission to the MSW program at NYU Silver. These interviews will be scheduled via email.

If you have further questions about applying to the SSWTA, please email: silver.admissions@nyu.edu

Matriculated MSW students will receive application information from the MSW Program Office and Office of Practicum Education & Community Partnerships.

See Our Events
Apply Now!
Connect With Us