CWS 17-12
State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services
To: Deputy Directors, Field Managers, District Directors, CW Supervisors and Program Staff
From: Michael Williams, Director – Child Welfare Services
Date: 9-1-2026
RE: CHILD WELFARE PROFESSIONAL ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM MSW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
In partnership with the University of Oklahoma (OU), the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) offers educational assistance through the Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program (CWPEP). This program covers the cost of in-state tuition, fees, and required textbooks for employees pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with a commitment to a career in child welfare (CW).
Participants may also request up to 20 days of paid educational leave per calendar year through DHS. Additional classroom time may be covered by approved annual leave. Scholarships take effect for fall courses of the upcoming academic year.
Participation in CWPEP requires a post-graduation work obligation in a Title IV-E reimbursable child welfare position, a minimum of 15 months of service for every 30 credit hours of financial support received through the On-Ground MSW program, and a minimum of 18 months for every 30 credit hours received through the Online MSW program. DHS employees outside of CW must be prepared to complete a practicum in CW and are subject to the same service obligation.
All participants must sign a legally binding contract with DHS and the OU School of Social Work. If a participant fails to complete the MSW program or fulfill their employment obligation, they must repay the CWPEP funds within 12 months of leaving the program or DHS Child Welfare Services (CWS).
Eligibility Requirements for Scholarship consideration:
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for the scholarship program:
1. Employment Requirement
- Must have a minimum of two years of employment with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) by August 1, 2027.
2. Training Requirements
- Child Welfare Services (CWS) staff must have completed CORE training and all required annual training, including at least 40 hours of training per evaluation period.
- Level-specific training must be current (not delinquent), and all completed training must be documented in the Learning Management System (LMS).
- If any required training is pending between April 15, 2027, and June 30, 2027, final approval for the scholarship will be withheld until all training is completed.
- Non-CWS staff must be current on all training requirements outlined by their assigned division and must provide supporting documentation.
3. Performance Evaluation
- Must have no rating below “Not Achieved” on the most recent HCM-111 performance evaluation.
4. Case Responsibility
- All assigned case responsibilities must be current at the time of application.
5. Educational Background
- Applicants must not hold a master’s degree in a related field.
6. University Admission Requirements
- Must meet all admission criteria for both the University of Oklahoma Graduate College and the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work.
Application Steps – For Both New and Continuing Students:
Step 1: Complete the Application
- New Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed application form. Form 04TR001E
- One CWPEP Supervisor Approval Letter signed by applicant, supervisor, FM/DD and RD. Form 04TR002E
- Most recent HCM-111 performance evaluation
- Two signed letters of recommendation from community professionals outside of DHS
- LMS training report
- Score Matrix
- Essay addressing:
- Career goals
- Examples of leadership skills
- Transcript (only if applying for advanced standing)
- Continuing Students must submit:
- Completed application form – Form 04TR001E
- Most recent HCM-111 performance evaluation
- LMS training report
Step 2: Submit to Supervisor
The applicant submits all required documents to their immediate supervisor. The supervisor completes the Scoring Matrix and the signed CWPEP Supervisor Approval Letter, then forwards these materials to the designated District Director (DD), Field Manager (FM), or Program Administrator (PA) by October 12.
Step 3: Submit to Deputy Director
The DD, FM, or PA reviews signs and submits the signed CWPEP Supervisor Approval Letter, and all supporting documents to the appropriate Deputy Director.
Step 4: Deputy Director Approval
The Deputy Director reviews and approves the submission by signing the CWPEP Supervisor Approval Letter and returning it via email to the submitting DD, FM, or PA.
Once approved, the DD, FM, or PA forwards the signed approval to the applicant.
Step 5:
The applicant must forward both the completed application and the Deputy Director’s approval email to Guy Willis by October 30.
Step 6: For Non-CWS Staff
Staff not employed in Child Welfare Services (CWS) must submit their application to their immediate supervisor or equivalent administrator by October 12. The administrator forwards the names and required documents of approved applicants based on the Scoring Matrix to the appropriate Deputy Director. Once approved, the original administrator sends the Deputy Director’s email approval to the applicant, who then forwards it with the full application to Guy Willis by October 30.
Note:
Late applications will not be accepted for participation in the program.
Notification
Final selections will be made by November 27, 2026. Anyone approved for Advanced Standing will be eligible for summer classes, provided that all date requirements are met.
- To utilize the scholarship, applicants must be admitted to OU’s Graduate College and accepted to the Zarrow School of Social Work.
- See http://socialwork.ou.edu/admissions-msw.
- Application window is October 1 to April 1 each academic year.
All staff with a commitment to professional growth is encouraged to consider the opportunities and support available through CWPEP. Please make sure each of your staff receives a copy of this memorandum. For additional information, contact Guy Willis, Child Welfare Training Unit, at (guy.willis@okdhs.org), or at 405-325-1902.
Michael C.Williams, Director of Child Welfare Services
cc: Misty Standberry, OU School of Social Work
Renee Banks
Dena Thayer
- A supervisor approval confirms an understanding of the employee’s need for leave to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work, including a review and adjustment of job duties to accommodate the time required for successful completion of practicums and the overall program.
