Adelphi School Of Social Work Awarded $1.125 Million In Grants

GARDEN CITY, NY — The New York Community Trust has awarded Adelphi University's School of Social Work three grants totaling $1.125 million to help recruit diverse students. The grants will help subsidize educational costs, support professional development and prepare a workforce of social workers who are engaged with their communities.

"There is a significant need for trained social work professionals in child welfare, schools and city shelters due to high rates of burnout and attrition," said Manoj Pardasani, PhD, dean of Adelphi's School of Social Work. "These grants will help us realize our vision of being integrated into the community and to build the capacity of social work organizations."

The funds from NYCT focus on increasing recruitment of Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) students to Adelphi's School of Social Work, providing students with specialized field training as well as comprehensive services that enhance mentoring, advising, support and retention services. Each student will receive a $10,000 to $20,000 stipend to help with the cost of their education at Adelphi.

The first grant, the Dowling Adelphi Reimagined Education (DARE), totaling $200,000, will support individuals from BIPOC communities already working at Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children & Family Services. The Harlem Dowling is a non-profit child welfare agency that provides comprehensive services to children and families in New York City.

In collaboration with Herstory Writers Workshop and ERASE Racism, the second grant will address racial disparities in the Wyandanch School District. The awarded $425,000 will help provide an innovative, creative and impactful educational experience. Students from Adelphi's School of Social Work will have joint placements with Herstory and ERASE Racism, working directly with children and families from the local school district.

The third grant, amounting to $500,000, will help Adelphi's social work school place students, faculty field liaisons and specialized field supervisors in several shelters operated by CAMBA, a non-profit agency that provides services that connect people with opportunities to enhance their quality of life.

Students will be trained to work with unhoused individuals and families, providing comprehensive services. They will also have the opportunity to engage in community practice, advocacy and grant writing.