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During the 2023-2024 academic year, the Black Alumnae/i Fund extended its support to students from the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research (GSSWSR) who identify as part of or share a cultural background with the African Diaspora. The Fund is administered by the Dean’s Office at the GSSWSR. You can read more about the Graduate School here.

I am deeply grateful for your continued support of the Black Alumnae/i Fund at ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥. As Dean of the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research (GSSWSR), I want to highlight how this Fund is helpful in supporting students as they move from their academic studies into their professional careers. This spring, your generosity enabled the GSSWSR to assist a graduate student who identifies as part of the African Diaspora with the fees associated with social work licensure preparation and examination.

Our academic program at GSSWSR is firmly rooted in trauma-informed social work, diversity and inclusion, and a steadfast commitment to social justice and advocacy. Ensuring that all students have access to the full GSSWSR educational experience is a top priority for me. This goal is central to the School’s mission of social justice and essential for preparing students to work effectively with diverse populations across various professional fields. Financial challenges can pose significant barriers, especially given the potential loss of wages due to the extensive hours devoted to field internships and other applied training.

Even with scholarship support, financial hurdles and unforeseen obstacles can arise after students have started their graduate studies. The professional development funds provided by the Black Alumnae/i Fund help the Graduate School address these challenges and support the ongoing growth of our students.

Thank you to the generous donors for their commitment to expanding ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥'s dedication to student access and for extending this support to our graduate students.

Janet Shapiro
Dean of the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research