ALVA, Okla. — The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Department of Social Work in Alva, Oklahoma, played host to a Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program (CWPEP) informational session Sept. 24. The session introduced social work majors to a unique opportunity that provides substantial financial support during their education and assured employment upon graduation.
Through CWPEP, qualifying students receive an annual stipend of $8,092 to cover in-state tuition, required fees and textbooks. In return, participants commit to working in public child welfare after graduation. Participants sign legally binding contracts that require one calendar year of public child welfare employment for each academic year of financial assistance or repayment of the money expended.
About the Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program
CWPEP is a highly competitive program designed to strengthen Oklahoma’s public child welfare workforce while reducing financial barriers for aspiring social workers. Northwestern awards up to three CWPEP stipends each year.
The program’s mission is to recruit and prepare highly qualified social workers for careers in child welfare while addressing workforce needs across the state.
CWPEP Partners and Funding
CWPEP is a Title IV-E partnership involving the University of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families. Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, called the Child Welfare Training Program, funds the educational program.
The University of Oklahoma’s Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work coordinates CWPEP with participating accredited undergraduate social work programs, including Northwestern.
CWPEP Informational Session Presenter
Misty Stanberry, CWPEP program coordinator with the University of Oklahoma’s Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work, presented the session, which outlined the many benefits available to selected participants.
Child Welfare Career Pathway After Graduation
Perhaps the most significant advantage of the program is the direct pathway to employment.
Students accepted into CWPEP who successfully complete program requirements transition into child welfare careers with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) or an approved tribal child welfare agency after earning their Bachelor of Social Work degree.
Training and Field Experience for CWPEP Students
Students selected for CWPEP gain valuable professional training and field experience through:
- Specialized child welfare coursework
- Attendance at OKDHS CORE Training
- Field placements in OKDHS Child Welfare county offices
CWPEP Coordinator Dr. Kylene Rehder on the Program
“CWPEP is more than a stipend program,” said Dr. Kylene Rehder, chair of the Northwestern Department of Social Work, professor of social work and CWPEP coordinator. “It is an investment in Oklahoma’s children and families. Through financial support, specialized training and a direct pathway to employment, CWPEP prepares students to enter the child welfare workforce with the skills and confidence needed to make an immediate impact.
“The program not only helps students achieve their educational goals but also strengthens Oklahoma’s child welfare workforce.”
CWPEP Eligibility Requirements for Northwestern Students
To be eligible, undergraduate students must:
- Be at the junior level or above
- Be fully admitted to Northwestern’s social work program
- Demonstrate a strong interest in child welfare through the application process and a written essay
- Successfully complete criminal background and driving record checks
- Be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
CWPEP Program Details
- Program: Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program (CWPEP)
- Informational session: 24, 2026
- Stipends available: Up to three per year at Northwestern
- Annual stipend: $8,092 to cover in-state tuition, required fees and textbooks
- Commitment: One calendar year of public child welfare employment for each academic year of financial assistance, or repayment of the money expended
- Class standing: Junior level or above
- Employers: Oklahoma Department of Human Services or an approved tribal child welfare agency
- Degree: Bachelor of Social Work
- Partners: University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families
- Funding: Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, called the Child Welfare Training Program
- Program coordination: University of Oklahoma Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work
- Northwestern coordinator: Kylene Rehder
Northwestern Social Work Prepares Students for Oklahoma Careers
For social work students passionate about serving vulnerable children and families, CWPEP offers a rare combination of financial support, specialized training, hands-on experience and assured employment after graduation.
The program helps students successfully complete their degrees with less financial burden. It also launches them directly into meaningful professional careers where they can make an immediate impact in the lives of Oklahoma children and families.
Through opportunities such as CWPEP, Northwestern’s Department of Social Work continues its commitment to preparing students for successful careers while addressing critical workforce needs throughout Oklahoma.
For more information, visit Northwestern’s Department of Social Work webpage or contact Rehder at kdrehder@nwosu.edu or 580-327-8135.
Related: Read about Northwestern’s 2025-26 CWPEP recipient
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