Receive up to 20K in funding toward your BSW or MSW degree if you plan to live and work in Winnebago County after graduation
The Social Worker Opportunity Tracks (SWOT) grant has been made available through the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board as a workforce development initiative to meet the mental health needs in Winnebago County.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria below may qualify for SWOT funding.
For the Online MSW Program
- Apply between August 15, 2025 and January 15, 2026 to start in May 2026
- Have a Bachelor’s degree and relevant volunteer or social service work experience
- Be a resident of Winnebago County or work there in a related field
- Apply and be accepted into the University of Illinois School of Social Work online MSW program
- Demonstrate strong intention to work in Winnebago County after graduation
Online MSW Requirements and Application Process
Admission Requirements
- Strong interest in serving individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking to improve their lives
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- Evidence of personal attributes that are suitable for the profession of social work
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or better for the last sixty (60) semester hours or ninety (90) quarter hours of coursework
- Twenty hours of social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and biological sciences
- GRE is not required
Application Process
Official Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Mail directly to the School of Social Work, 1010 W. Nevada Street, Urbana, IL 61801 or official electronic transcripts can be emailed to socialwork@illinois.edu
- All items below will be uploaded to the Graduate College Application.
- Three (3) letters of reference (must be academic and/or professional in nature)
- Graduate College Academic Statement
- Social Work Personal Statement
- Resume – This should include relevant education, volunteer, and work experience
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
For the Online BSW Transfer Program
- Apply by July 15, 2025 to start in August 2025
- Apply between October 2025 and June 2026 to start in August 2026 (apply early for best consideration)
- Be a resident of Winnebago County or work there in a related field
- Have completed two years of college coursework (e.g., General Education, Foreign Language)
- Apply and be accepted into the University of Illinois School of Social Work online BSW transfer program
- Demonstrate strong intention to work in Winnebago County after graduation
Online BSW Requirements and Application Process
Admission Requirements
- Cumulative minimum GPA 2.5 or higher
- Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Evidence of personal attributes that are suitable for the profession of social work
- Successful completion of the application process for professional program entry
- Volunteer or paid work experience in a social service agency prior to beginning the program is not required but is strongly encouraged
Application Process
Attend a Virtual Social Work Opportunity Track Information Session
Thursday, May 29, 2025 3:00 – 3:30 PM CST
Monday, June 9, 2025 5:00 – 5:30 PM CST