School of Social Work MSW program awarded $1.5 million grant

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
September 23, 2014

The School of Social Work at Texas State University has been awarded a $1.5 million grant in support of the I-3 Project from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The "Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training for Professionals" grant is intended to develop and expand the substance abuse and mental health workforce. It will span three years.

Texas State's I-3 Project (Integrative, Intercultural Innovations in Behavioral and Primary Health with Youth at-Risk) will focus on specialized training for Master of Social Work (MSW) students who will work with children, adolescents and transitional-age youth at risk for developing or who have developed a recognized behavioral health disorder.

"A noteworthy element of this project is the generous stipends that will go to 34 students who want to make a difference in the world for people who have behavioral and substance abuse problems," said Dorinda Noble, director of the School of Social Work. "They can have a huge impact."

The I-3 Project will recruit, educate, train, place in specific field areas and graduate 34 MSW students annually who are dedicated to working with the target population. These students will receive a substantial stipend for their professional field training.

To accomplish these goals, the I-3 Project focuses on integrative, intercultural and innovative knowledge and skills through coursework, specialized training and field placements. The mission of the I-3 Project involves the entire School of Social Work, building on expertise of faculty, field placement agencies and interprofessional community partnerships.