The National Association of Social Workers supports equitable approaches to Payment for Placement in Social Work
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) recognizes the critical role of field placements in preparing future social workers and believes that financial barriers should not prevent students from successfully completing their education. As the profession continues to evolve, NASW is committed to working collaboratively with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), colleges and universities, field placement agencies, and policy makers to explore practical, sustainable solutions that promote equity and accessibility in social work education.
A Collaborative Approach to Equity and Accessibility
NASW understands that unpaid field placements can create financial hardships for students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. To build a more diverse and inclusive social work workforce, we must collectively examine innovative ways to reduce these barriers. NASW is committed to partnering with CSWE, academic institutions, students, and agencies to explore strategies such as stipend programs, paid internships, and other financial support mechanisms that align with the realities of educational institutions and field organizations.
Strengthening Social Work Education Through Partnership
Field education is a shared responsibility between universities, placement sites, and the broader social work community. NASW supports an open and solutions-focused dialogue with CSWE and social work programs to:
1. Explore Flexible Funding Models – Advocate for scholarships, federal and state funding, agency stipends, and public-private partnerships to support compensated field placements.
2. Identify Innovative Field Education Structures – Work with CSWE and universities to assess creative field education models that maintain academic rigor while making placements more financially feasible for students.
3. Support Agencies in Expanding Paid Opportunities – Encourage agencies to recognize the value of student contributions and explore ways to provide financial support, including work-study programs, fellowships, or stipend-based placements.
4. Engage Policymakers and Funders – Advocate for public and private sector investment in social work education to create sustainable funding streams for field placements.
Advancing Workforce Development and Retention
By working collaboratively with CSWE and social work programs, NASW seeks to strengthen the social work pipeline and ensure that all students—regardless of financial circumstances—can complete their education and enter the profession ready to serve. Addressing the issue of payment for placement is not only about financial equity but also about ensuring a strong, well-supported workforce capable of meeting the growing demand for social services.
Commitment to Ongoing Dialogue and Solutions
NASW is committed to ongoing collaboration with CSWE, academic institutions, students, and field agencies to develop common-sense, scalable solutions that benefit students, agencies, and the profession as a whole. By working together, we can uphold social work’s core values of equity, inclusion, and professional excellence while ensuring that future social workers are supported throughout their education.
This is a shared challenge that requires a shared solution—and NASW stands ready to work with all stakeholders to make meaningful progress on this issue.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.