The Detroit Tri-County Social Work Health Career Opportunity Academy (The Academy) has the goal of preparing current and future allied health and social work professionals to provide culturally responsive health care in the Detroit Tri-County area. The Academy provides academic, economic, and social support to community college and undergraduate students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Academy offers three structured programs wherein students participate in seminars, self-guided learning activities, clinical training opportunities, case management, and mentorship. Participants receive a $2,100 scholarship and a $2,100 stipend.

By the end of the structured programs, students will be able to use evidence-based study strategies for academic success; describe the influence of health disparities, social determinants of health, and health equity on healthcare outcomes; and demonstrate awareness of careers in social work healthcare and the importance of research in providing healthcare.

Ambassadors Program

The Detroit Tri-County Social Work Health Careers Opportunity Ambassadors Program provides 180 hours of training.

Eligibility

• Currently a junior or senior in the BSW program at Wayne State University. Or, if transferring from a community college, participants will need a minimum of 30 transferrable credits to support their readiness to move toward application to the BSW program
• Interested in healthcare social work
• From an educationally or economically disadvantaged background as determined by HRSA criteria
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Meet criteria from HRSA for U.S. federal funding. Per the funder, to be eligible, participants must be a citizen, non-citizen national of the United States, an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States, or any other “qualified alien” under section 431(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-193, as amended. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible to receive HCOP financial support through the program.

Summer Program

Apply for the Summer Program

The Detroit Tri-County Allied Health Careers Opportunity Summer Program provides 180 hours of training during the summer.

Eligibility

• Allied health professions degree students at Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, or Wayne County Community College District.
• Interested in healthcare social work
• From an educationally or economically disadvantaged background as determined by HRSA criteria
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Meet criteria from HRSA for U.S. federal funding (Per the funder, to be eligible, participants must be a citizen, non-citizen national of the United States, an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States, or any other “qualified alien” under section 431(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-193, as amended. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible to receive HCOP financial support through the program.)

Adult Learner Program

Apply for the Adult Learner Program

The Detroit Tri-County Adult Learner Health Careers Opportunity Program 120 hours of training during the summer or over the academic year. All of the learning activities are self-paced yet have due dates. Also, participants will have one-on-one mentorship to meet their scheduling needs.

Eligibility

• Allied health professions degree students at Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, or Wayne County Community College District. Or, currently a junior or senior in the BSW at Wayne State University. Or, if transferring from a community college, participants will need a minimum of 30 transferrable credits to support their readiness to move toward application to the BSW program.
• Interested in healthcare social work
• From an educationally or economically disadvantaged background as determined by HRSA criteria
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Meet criteria from HRSA for U.S. federal funding (Per the funder, to be eligible, participants must be a citizen, non-citizen national of the United States, an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States, or any other “qualified alien” under section 431(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-193, as amended. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible to receive HCOP financial support through the program.)

Unstructured Programs

The Academy also offers two unstructured programs. Additional details on these will be forthcoming. 

Financial Wellness and Resources Workshops

The Academy provides free financial wellness workshops to community college and university students from economically and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. These workshops include content on financial aid applications, scholarships, and loan repayment programs.

Continuing Education Program

The Academy also provides free continuing education training on topics relevant to working with underserved communities, including providing culturally relevant care, reducing barriers to access to care, and improving quality care. These trainings are available for free to all experiential training providers.

The Academy Team

• Bridget E. Weller, Ph.D., Professor
• Anwar Najor-Durack, Ph.D., LMSW, Assistant Professor, Clinical and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
• Shantalea Johns, Ed.D., LMSW, Assistant Professor Clinical, Director of Continuing Education
• Suzanne Brown, Ph.D., LMSW, Associate Professor

Sponsor

This project 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