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By: Stacey Walters | August 15, 2025
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) has announced a new partnership with the Child Welfare Prepare, Retain, Engage and Partner (CW PREP) Program to expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in public child welfare. This initiative now offers funded opportunities for qualified students and provides comprehensive training, advising and field placement support.
CW PREP, supported by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and a network of university social work programs, is designed to recruit, prepare and retain highly skilled child welfare professionals. The program is open to UPIKE’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students committed to serving Kentucky’s children and families.
Through the partnership, eligible students can receive in-state tuition coverage for up to four semesters, a $1,400 per-semester stipend, paid practicum opportunities and specialized coursework in child welfare practice. Students will participate in training retreats, receive one-on-one advising, complete field placements with the Department for Community-Based Services and transition directly into public child welfare roles after graduation. In return, graduates commit to at least two years of service in the Social Service Worker classification.
“This partnership is an incredible opportunity for our students and the children and families of Eastern Kentucky,” said Ashton Bartley, MSW, director of UPIKE’s Bachelor of Social Work program. “Funded opportunities like this not only remove financial barriers, but they also give our students the training, advising and field experience they need to step into these critical roles confidently.”
Bartley emphasized that the program is for students who are passionate about child and family services.
“At UPIKE, we’re looking for students who want to make a lasting difference. CW PREP aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare career-ready graduates committed to their communities,” said Bartley. “Together, we are building a well-prepared workforce to meet the needs of Kentucky’s most vulnerable.”
For more information about the CW PREP Program at UPIKE, contact Ashton Bartley at AshtonBartley@upike.edu or (606) 218-5001.