Graduate School of Social Work
Nothing less than the transformation of lives, communities and systems
At the Graduate School of Social Work, we believe in social work’s potential to transform both individual lives and interconnected systems.
With an inherently interdisciplinary lens and the ability to problem-solve across individuals, organizations, community and policy systems, social work is one of the fastest growing fields in the United States and internationally. At GSSW, we gauge our impact by the outcome we seek: a more just, equitable world.
Social work is uniquely positioned to tackle the most urgent issues of our time, including racism, poverty, homelessness, climate change and health disparities. Boasting one of the nation’s oldest and largest MSW programs, we have long been committed to such transformational change. Social work is social justice, and it remains at the core of our work at DU.
Impacting Community Needs
Our faculty are regularly called upon by community partners to address problems and conduct community informed and engaged research to meet urgent needs. Investment will deepen the Office of Community Engagement’s ability to foster connections between our broader community and DU students, faculty and staff; this drives our reach across fields and needs and allows us to serve as a catalyst for social change.
Developing Rural and Local Community Workforces
For decades, we have been a leader training critically needed social work practitioners across rural Colorado and regional Native communities. Your gift will sustain and strengthen that work as we prepare students for impactful, long-term partnerships and service in under-resourced communities.
Broadening MSW Program Access
Funding for scholarships, fellowships and internships broaden and equalize access for more students and practitioners to enroll in our continuing education courses; with support, our students will also be able to participate more fully in the applied, interdisciplinary 4D Experience that is a hallmark of a DU education as they prepare for careers and lives of purpose.
Transforming GSSW
Support for career development professorships will enable us to award early- and mid-career faculty in recognition of their accomplishments and continued potential. Support for endowed professorships similarly signals continued and elevated excellence in our field, helps us retain our top talent and further cements GSSW’s reputation as a premier locus of social work education and scholarship.
