Nearly 400 social work agreements expand opportunities for students

Millersville University's School of Social Work strengthens its bonds with the community by maintaining nearly 390 affiliation agreements that provide students with active participation-based learning and crucial career preparation.

The partnerships span across hospitals, government agencies, schools, behavioral health organizations and private practices in Pennsylvania and beyond. They serve both undergraduate and graduate students in the University's social work programs.

Millersville has retained some long-standing partnerships with major organizations such as Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, the Coatesville and Lebanon Veterans Affairs medical centers, and Lancaster County Children and Youth. The addition of newer affiliations, like recent agreements with the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Nova Behavioral Health, Pascal Crisis Services, Ellie Mental Health and more, have begun to expand the program's reach.

Dr. Karen Rice, chair of the School of Social Work, says these agreements are central to the School's mission. "The university-community partnerships are vital to provide real-world, experiential, hands-on learning to our students," Rice says. "These internships allow our students to apply the knowledge and skills gleaned within the classroom and further refine them in practice within the agencies they are placed. The community partners benefit from having access to skilled, new talent that helps them achieve their mission while fostering a skilled local workforce." Rice noted that the partnerships also inform Millersville's academic programs by providing insight into industry needs, which helps faculty strengthen curriculum and better prepare students for careers.

According to Jostalynn Parry, practicum director for the School of Social Work, the process of adding new partnerships is dynamic and collaborative. "Once we get connected to the site and they say they are interested in partnering, I schedule a meeting to discuss their internship opportunities, go over the different student levels, learn more about the site itself and what opportunities there are for students to ensure attainment of social work competencies," says Parry. Sites may reach out directly to Millersville, students may recommend agencies they are connected with, or the practicum office may contact potential partners, particularly as the University's online programs grow and require placements outside of Lancaster County.

Among the most popular placements for students are hospitals, schools, and county government agencies, particularly children and youth services. Students are also increasingly interested in a range of diverse settings, from traditional clinical placements to emerging fields. Some students have been drawn to therapy-focused sites such as Lone Oak Animal-Assisted Therapeutic & Educational Services, which uses equine-assisted therapy, while others have gained experience in policy work, including placements with State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El's office. "Interests constantly change each year, so it is a fun challenge to continue to meet the different requests," Parry says.

Kassity Moran, a Millersville social work student placed in the Domestic Violence Center in West Chester, Pa, says, "Take every opportunity they offer, even if it's not something you're very interested in. I've learned that there are never enough people to cover all the needs of nonprofits, and that has been a big takeaway for me."