The Academy honors inaugural class of Ambassador Social Work healthcare students
The Detroit-Tri County Social Work Health Career Opportunity Academy (The Academy) is a new initiative aimed at training students to provide culturally responsive health care in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. The Academy offers three structured and two unstructured programs designed to prepare social work and allied health students for high-demand healthcare careers. One of the structured programs, the Ambassadors program, provides training for juniors and seniors in Wayne State University’s School of Social Work bachelor’s program.
Ambassador program participants and The Academy faculty and staff came together to celebrate students’ achievements at the End of Program Celebration. The event recognized the first cohort of the Ambassadors program, which launched in January 2024 with 25 students.
Program participants completed 180 training hours that included hands-on training at approved healthcare sites, aligning with Wayne State University’s College to Career initiative, which seeks to provide students with experiential learning opportunities that allow them to encounter the world, gain deeper insights and new perspectives, and prepare for prosperous careers.
“The program gave me many training opportunities and knowledge that I am grateful to be able to apply moving forward as I enter the master’s program and toward a career in social work,” said Ambassador Amanda Mies, a recent bachelor’s graduate.
Throughout the program, students explored weekly themes, focusing on evidence-based strategies for academic success, the importance of research in healthcare, and the impact of health disparities, social determinants of health, and health equity on healthcare outcomes. The Academy’s focus on addressing urban health challenges facing families in Southeast Michigan supports President Espy’s empowering health for our urban neighborhoods Prosperity Agenda pillar, aimed at addressing health disparities to build healthier, more resilient neighborhoods in Detroit and beyond.
Social Work Acting Dean Debra Patterson stated that "The Detroit-Tri County Social Work Health Career Opportunity Academy is investing in the future of healthcare in our community. By providing culturally responsive training and experiential learning opportunities, the Academy is preparing a new generation of social workers and allied health professionals who are equipped to address the critical needs of our communities."
“Prior to the Ambassadors program, I had little knowledge of careers available in social work healthcare and what opportunities were available. Thanks to the education and guidance from the program and the wonderful mentors, I feel comfortable knowing this field offers more opportunities in healthcare than ever before.” - Ambassador Crystal LaBean
Students participated in weekly group mentorship sessions led by The Academy staff members Program Coordinator Crystal Sanders and Case Manager Katy Martinez-Osorio. The sessions provided a safe space for students to share personal experiences and receive feedback from peers and staff, fostering a supportive learning environment.
"The sense of community the Ambassadors created was a joy to witness," said The Academy's Principal Investigator Professor Bridget E. Weller, PhD. "The future of social work health care in Detroit is bright."
The second cohort of the Ambassadors program will begin in the Fall 2024 semester. Applications are now being accepted.
The Detroit Tri-County Social Work Health Career Opportunity Academy is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3.2 million with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
Writer: Sarah Freeman and Editor: Betsy Vanderstelt