The FGCS BSW Project aims to prepare competent, committed, entry-level social workers to provide ethical, effective child welfare services and commit to a long-term career in child welfare. In pursuit of this goal, the FGCS BSW project provides participants financial assistance, social support, and academic support while completing the BSW degree.

Click here for the brochure of First Generation College Student BSW Project.

Financial Assistance

Students selected for the FGCS BSW Project receive funding to offset tuition and fees for up to two full years as a full-time student (twelve or more semester credit hours), or four years as a part-time student (minimum of ten semester credit hours). Funding is provided through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families, and the Children's Bureau. Funding is awarded on an annual basis, but there is no guarantee that funding will be continued.

Social and Academic Support

FGCS BSW participants attend a special orientation program prior to the start of classes in their initial semester. Students are assigned a mentor and agree to serve as a mentor for another FGCS BSW student. A maximum of 15 FGCS students will be accepted per year.

Eligibility

Applicants must be first-generation college students. A student is considered a first generation college student if neither of her/his parents attended a Four-year college.

Applicants must meet all requirements for admission to Phase II of the BSW degree program (Social Work Major), including course prerequisites and an overall GPA of at least a 2.5. Students may apply to the FGCS at the same time that they apply to Phase II of the BSW degree program. However, each application process is separate and the applications do not substitute for each other.

Although financial need is considered, it is only one criterion the selection committee evaluates. Other criteria include academic record, community involvement, and a commitment to working in child welfare. Stipend awards are coordinated with the Office of Financial Aid.

Students selected for the FGCS are required to sign a contract agreeing to work after graduation in a public or private non-profit child welfare agency one year for each year they are financially supported by the project.

Application Deadlines

Applications are available in the Social Work Office in HPB 150. The application deadline is the Fourth Monday in April , concurrent with the Spring deadline for application to Phase II (Social Work Major).

The Application Package

The completed application package includes the following items:

• Application Form (click Here)
  
• A 500-800 word essay describing your motivation for pursuing a child welfare career. The essay must be typed, double-spaced in twelve-point font with one inch margins.

Admissions Decisions

The FGCS Admissions Committee will review each application and make one of three decisions:

1. admission,
2. conditional admission, or
3. denial of admission.

Appeals Procedure

Students not satisfied with the decision of the FGCS Admissions Committee have the right to appeal the decision to the BSW Director. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the BSW Director within thirty days of the date of the letter informing the student of the Admission Committee's decision.

Problems or Questions?

If you encounter problems with the application process, contact:

Dr. Mary Tijerina at Mary.Tijerina@txstate.edu (512-245-3667), or

The School of Social Work Administrative Assistant in HPB 150 (512-245-2592).

The application to the FGCS Project becomes part of the official social work record, and the School of Social Work keeps it for five years after graduation.