The CHAMP Institute

MSW students with a passion for preventing child maltreatment have a unique opportunity to develop advanced skills and experience and receive a stipend for their efforts through NYU Silver’s CHAMP Institute.

Part of the federally funded NY Child and Adolescent Maltreatment Prevention (CHAMP) Network, the CHAMP Institute provides intensive training in trauma-informed care in the context of child welfare to selected MSW student Fellows so they are prepared for careers in child welfare prevention. 

Fellowship for MSW Students

Each year, the CHAMP Institute selects ten incoming MSW students in the Two-Year Pathway as CHAMP Institute Fellows. 

The two-year fellowship has the following mandatory components:

• Academic Courses: Take the courses Core Concepts of Childhood Trauma and Core Components of Trauma-Informed Care coursework to bolster Fellows’ knowledge in the assessment of trauma and intervention around trauma in children.
• Specialized Training: Take a three day virtual training in Trauma Systems Therapy (TST), an evidence-based intervention that addresses children’s trauma-related problematic behaviors, which occurs during the summer prior to the specialized practice year
• Practicum Placements: Get hands-on experience in a setting that focuses broadly on children and families in their first-year practicum placement. In their second year, Fellows are placed in one of three CHAMP Network-affiliated child welfare prevention agencies where they partner with trained providers to deliver TST and other trauma-informed services in the clinic and during home visits. 
• Seminar Series: Attend bi-monthly seminars that enhance student learning, introduce students to experts in the field, and expand students’ social and professional networks. 

Fellows receive a stipend each year to support their participation in this intensive initiative.

As trauma work in the context of child welfare can be particularly challenging, the CHAMP Institute employs a cohort model to develop a supportive and cohesive environment for Fellows in the program. All Fellows are assigned the same faculty advisor and participate together in their first-year Practice classes as well as a seminar series focusing on resilience in the context of trauma work.

Eligibility

Prospective NYU Silver MSW Students applying for the Two-Year pathway who are committed to completing the mandatory components above are eligible to apply for the CHAMP Institute Fellowship.

Applicants who have a strong interest in childhood trauma and in developing their skills in trauma-informed care and clinical work with children and their families in child welfare prevention are encouraged to apply.

For Prospective Students:
Applying to the CHAMP Institute Fellowship

In order to apply to the CHAMP Institute, you must:

1. Attend at least one Specialized Programs information session.
2. Indicate your interest in the CHAMP Institute on your MSW program application.
3. As part of your MSW program application, submit a one-page Statement of Interest, or a 5 minute recorded video, in which you describe:
   1. Any prior experiences with the child welfare system, child maltreatment, and/or clients or client systems who have experienced trauma. If you do not have prior experience in this field, please describe other experiences that lend themselves to this work.
   2. Your particular interest in this program and the alignment of your participation with your future career plans.
   3. How you plan to manage the emotional intensity of the work you will do in the Institute.
4. Be accepted into the MSW program at NYU Silver to be considered for this opportunity.

Please be prepared to participate in a 20 minute interview if you have submitted your application for the Fellowship and been accepted to NYU Silver. These interviews will be scheduled via email.

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