The School of Social Work recently had the opportunity to welcome high school students from across Illinois for a day of learning, connection, service, and exploration at Exploring Social Work: An Illinois Experience for High School Students.
Students kicked off the day with an inspiring keynote from Dr. Dora Watkins, Director of the Bachelor of Social Work Program, who challenged us to think about how “Helping is the Skill. Social Work is the Path.” Throughout the day, students explored how the helping skills they already possess can grow into meaningful careers and community impact.
We were also honored to welcome Dr. Tan, who encouraged students to “Be a Butterfly”: transform, show your true colors, and spread your wings. His message reminded students that their unique brilliance, voice, experiences, and perspectives are what make them truly extraordinary.
Students heard from current social work students, staff, and faculty about their personal journeys into the profession, learned about the many pathways and career opportunities within social work, and explored how social workers create change in schools, healthcare settings, communities, government, nonprofits, and beyond.
A highlight of the day was our service-learning project in partnership with the CLU-W Hygiene Pantry of Champaign County. Students worked together to create “Busy Bags” filled with activities to help children and adults stay engaged during wait times at the pantry. They also decorated bags and created thoughtful cards of encouragement to provide a welcoming and uplifting experience for pantry visitors. Through this project, students saw firsthand how small acts of kindness and service can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
The day also included a site visit to Champaign County Health Care Consumers (CCHCC), where students learned about community advocacy, healthcare access, and the organization’s impact on the lives of individuals and families throughout our community.
Through interactive activities, discussions about rural community challenges, networking, and hands-on learning experiences, students discovered that social work is more than a career: it’s a profession dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating positive change.
Thank you to our students, faculty, staff, community partners, and other volunteers for making this event such a success. We can’t wait to see the impact these future helping professionals will make in the world!
We are hoping to grow this event and make it even bigger and better next year and would love for you to join us! Mark your calendar for Friday, June 4, 2027 to join us for next year’s event.
Photo credits: Jeremy Bobbitt, Meggi Aspengren