Social Worker Opportunity Track (SWOT) Grant
Receive up to 20K in funding toward your BSW or MSW degree
The Social Worker Opportunity Track (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.
Students must meet the eligibility criteria below to receive the funding.
Online MSW Program
- Apply by April 15, 2025
- Graduate from Rockford University for the Online MSW Program
- Acceptance into the University of Illinois School of Social Work
- Agree to work in Winnebago County for 3 years following graduation
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
- Graduate College Application– To be completed online at www.grad.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
- 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.
Online BSW Program
- Apply by April 5, 2025
- Graduate from Rock Valley University for Online BSW Program
- Acceptance into the University of Illinois School of Social Work
- Agree to work in Winnebago County for 3 years following graduation
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