Social work scholars program prepares exceptional advocates for students

In Minnesota, the demand for skilled and compassionate school social workers is growing. Schools are navigating critical shortages in mental health services while striving to reflect the diversity of their communities. The Ozhiitaa School Social Work Scholar Program, funded by a $750,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Education and administered by Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), is tackling these challenges head-on.

With a name derived from the Ojibwe word meaning “to get ready” or “to prepare,” the Ozhiitaa Program equips its scholars, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students, with the tools, training, and support needed to thrive in school social work. The program not only prepares its participants for licensure but ensures they are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of Minnesota’s student population.

A Pathway to Impactful Careers

School social work is a demanding field, requiring a high level of dedication and resolve. Beyond mastering a challenging curriculum and passing licensure exams, students gain hands-on experience through internships in public school districts. The role of a school social worker is a balancing act, as they must juggle multiple responsibilities. They often serve as mental health professionals, advocate for students, and act as crucial links between home, school, and the community.

A common thread among Ozhiitaa Scholars is their shared recognition of the importance of their work. They understand the life-changing impact they can have on students, particularly those facing adversity.

Brooke Freeland, one of the program’s participants, shares, “I chose to pursue school social work because, ever since I was a child, I wanted to work in schools. As I got older, I fell in love with social work. I love to help others, especially children; school social work is the perfect fit for me.”

Jessica Rojas, another Ozhiitaa Scholar, emphasizes the transformative role early support can play in students’ lives.

“As a child who has gone through hardships, I want to extend the support that I once received to other children so they too can achieve their goals, improve their self-esteem, and recognize their potential in the world,” she explains.

Passion is the foundation for exceptional school social workers, but the Ozhiitaa program empowers its scholars to elevate beyond the foundation, into excellent school social workers. For scholars like Freeland and Rojas, the Ozhiitaa Program allows them to pursue their studies with confidence. The program achieves with a three-fold approach: offering financial support, specialized training, and tailored mentorship.

“We have an incredibly complex and comprehensive model going,” says Ozhitaa School Social Work Scholar Program co-coordinator Tracy Neusser. “These students get the opportunity to be trained with some rigor and become the most hireable when they’re applying for jobs.”

Specialized Training and Mentorship

The Ozhiitaa Program provides crucial targeted training to ensure scholars excel in their future roles. Training is aligned with the National School Social Work Model adopted by the School Social Work Association of America, which focuses on areas critical to the profession, including student mental health, crisis intervention, and community engagement.

“This program provides specialized training on school social work. These scholars will be trained and prepared to be experts in their field from the outset,” says Neusser.

The training goes beyond traditional coursework. Scholars participate in professional conferences, engage with inspiring guest speakers, and gain hands-on experience during their internships. Additionally, they receive guidance on achieving licensure, ensuring they are fully prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.

Personalized support is another key element of the program. Each scholar is paired with a mentor who provides socio-emotional guidance and professional advice. This mentorship is instrumental in helping students navigate the challenges of their education and internships while building their confidence and skills.

Fall 2024 Ozhiitaa Scholars Cohort. Program Co-coordinators Janelle Miedema (bottom left) and Tracy Neusser (bottom right) pose with their students.

“We’ve built a system that not only helps them financially but emotionally, too. They have mentors and peers who understand their challenges and are there to guide them. We’re setting them up for long-term success,” Neusser adds.

Financial Support: Breaking Down Barriers

Financial support is another cornerstone of the Ozhiitaa Program, relieving scholars of challenges that might otherwise hinder their progress. Participants receive tuition scholarships, monthly stipends to cover living costs, paid internships, and access to emergency funding. These resources significantly reduce the financial strain many students face, allowing them to fully dedicate themselves to their studies and internships.

Statistics underscore the importance of this support. A study from the National College Attainment Network found that 68% of students turned down a school-related opportunity due to costs associated with participating. For Ozhiitaa Scholars, this program removes that obstacle entirely.

For participants, this monetary assistance is transformative. Some scholars must juggle familial caretaking duties or other large responsibilities outside of their schooling. This financial stability enables them to focus on their education and opens doors to opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach.

“The Ozhiitaa Program has provided me with the financial means to finish my last semester at MSUM without having to worry about another job. It gave me the freedom to dedicate my time to my internship and focus on my work without distractions,” says Rojas.

These funds ensure scholars can immerse themselves fully in their studies and internships, without compromising their financial stability or well-being. This level of support has already proven life-changing for some students.

“We’ve had students whose parents were in tears when they found out their child got this kind of financial support,” shares Neusser.

The Importance of Representation

A core mission of the Ozhiitaa Program is addressing inequities and underrepresentation in school social work. While the program supports students of all backgrounds, it has a particular focus on increasing BIPOC representation in the field. This approach helps create a workforce that reflects the diversity of Minnesota schools and fosters a more inclusive environment for students.

Representation is about more than just numbers—it’s about creating meaningful connections. When students see professionals who share their cultural background or lived experiences, it can reduce stigma, foster trust, and inspire hope.

“Addressing inequities and underrepresentation in school social work helps reduce stigma associated with social work services and allows students and families to see their background reflected in the professionals supporting them,” says Rojas.

Freeland echoes this sentiment, stating, “We need to be advocates for all. It’s important to ensure every student is heard and seen and given the support they need to be successful.”

Building a Stronger Future

As the Ozhiitaa Program enters its second semester, it has already made a profound impact on its 20 scholars. The program’s success is evident in the readiness of its scholars, some of whom have already graduated and are preparing to begin their careers.

“I am forever grateful to have been part of the Ozhiitaa Program,” shares Freeland.

In a field where advocacy, representation, and preparation are critical, the Ozhiitaa Program is creating a generation of school social workers who are ready to lead and make a difference. Through their work, these scholars will empower students and strengthen communities throughout Minnesota.