STUDENT VOICES - A bilingual curriculum preparing Latino students for entry into generalist social work practice with diverse urban populations.

This is one of three Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs in Chicago. It is the only BSW program of its kind in a Midwest college with a bilingual curriculum. The BSW program started in response to a need for bilingual social workers in local agencies, and a more empowered Latino community. A 2004 Survey by the National Association of Social Workers, found only 4% of licensed Social Work respondents in Illinois were Hispanic. Latinos represent only 11% of the BSW graduates nationally and only 9% of the MSW graduates (CSWE, 2013). Students progress from an AA degree, to BSW degree, and are eligible after graduation for an accelerated Master of Social Work degree. This BSW program provides access to higher education (90% of students start college with remedial English and Math). The college has the lowest tuition of any private Chicago college. Students pay $9,840 per year from their PELL grant and financial awards for 12 credit hours per semester. The college provides very low cost childcare, free parking, and free tutoring.

The mission of this Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is to prepare graduates for entry into generalist social work practice with diverse urban populations. It aspires to fill cultural, educational, and socioeconomic gaps, beginning with those in the multi-cultural and multi-linguistic neighborhoods of Chicago.

Learn more about the BSW program.