Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program Stipend Awarded to Three Social Work Majors

October 26, 2021

Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Department of Social Work announces Northwestern-Alva senior Rachel Beaver of Longdale, Northwestern-Woodward junior Amy Ireland of Seiling and Northwestern-Enid senior Perla Fonseca Torres of Enid are the stipend recipients of the Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program (CWPEP) for the 2021-2022 academic year.

CWPEP provides funds for students who plan careers in child welfare services in Oklahoma. The stipends are awarded to full-time students majoring in social work and provide money toward educational expenses to participating students. Students who receive the stipends complete educational internships in child welfare agencies within the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS). Upon graduation, students are assured employment in the participating DHS programs.

Amy Ireland

“I chose to pursue a career in social work to be able to make a difference in people’s lives,” Ireland said. “I am honored to receive the CWPEP award and use my education to positively impact others.”

CWPEP is a Title IV-E partnership between the University of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Council, and Social Work Education (CSWE) in accredited social work programs in Oklahoma.

Perla Fonseca Torres

“I am honored to have been accepted into the CWPEP,” Torres said. “This program has secured me employment in a child welfare position with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and with an opportunity to serve children and families in this state.”

The University of Oklahoma manages the child welfare consortium. Other partners along with Northwestern include East Central University and Oral Roberts University.

Rachel Beaver

“Being accepted into CWPEP is a dream for me,” Beaver said. “In the beginning, it is hard to imagine all the incredible opportunities available to you in the social work program, but they are life-changing. I’m excited for my professional social work future and the opportunity to serve Oklahoma children and families.”

Funding for the educational program is provided by Title IV-E of the social security act, called the Child Welfare Training program.

“The social work program is proud to administer the CWPEP program and play an essential role in securing and retaining quality social workers in the public child welfare system,” Dr. Kylene Rehder, department of social work chair, CWPEP coordinator, and professor of social work, said. “CWPEP at Northwestern has graduated 19 students, resulting in more than $150,000 being awarded in educational assistance.”

The CWPEP program at Northwestern is administered by Rehder. For more information on Northwestern’s department of social work, contact Rehder at (580) 327-8135 or kdrehder@nwosu.edu.

-NW-

CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, 580-327-8480