Mississippi Academic Pathways (MAP)

Mississippi Academic Pathways (MAP) Scholarship Program

The Mississippi Academic Pathways (MAP) scholarship guides social work students to fulfilling careers with MDCPS. This innovative program offers scholarships, dedicated internships, and career coaching for students with a passion for serving children and guiding Mississippi’s families to success. Seven accredited social work programs have come together across the state to provide education and training for current and prospective MDCPS employees. MAP's vision is an efficient, effective, and sustainable system of care for all at-risk children and families in Mississippi. MAP's mission is to equip social workers and related human service professionals with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to provide best practices to all at-risk children and families in Mississippi. MAP's purpose is to develop and enhance education and training directed to those providing or preparing to provide direct service to the state's most vulnerable children and families.

MDCPS Internship Coordinator
     Tabitha Hampton
     769-312-7565
     mdcps.internship@mdcps.ms.gov

Requirements

  • BSW or MSW student
  • Enrolled full-time or part-time
  • Preparing to complete their internship with MDCPS
  • One year minimum of continuous and consistent full-time employment at MDCPS following graduation

Any additional requirements are determined by the attending university. The MAP scholarship is awarded by the attending university. Current MDCPS employees seeking to advance their education are also eligible to apply. Students do not have to apply for a scholarship to complete an internship with MDCPS.

Benefits

  • BSW students may receive a scholarship in the amount of up to two semesters tuition for the final two semesters.
  • MSW students may receive a scholarship in the amount of up to two semesters tuition for the final two semesters.
  • Transition to full-time employment after graduation.

Any additional scholarship coverage is determined by the attending university.

Participating Schools

The Mississippi Academic Pathways (MAP) scholarship is currently offered through seven accredited social work programs across the state.

Alcorn State University
Delta State University
Jackson State University
Mississippi State University
Mississippi Valley State University
The University of Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there certain college classifications needed to apply?

Students must be pursuing a BSW or MSW. Additional degree requirements are determined by the attending university.

Are there spaces available at each county office for an internship?

There are spaces available in each county office for internships.

Which departments have opportunities for internships?

Well-Being and Permanency; Safety; Licensure; and Adoption are available for internships.

Who would be the point of contact?

The University Field Coordinator and MDCPS Internship Coordinator.

How do I apply?

Reach out to your university's director or department chair for an application.

Testimonials

"My internship with MDCPS was an incredible experience! It allowed me to connect with new people and gain valuable insight into my career field. Shadowing various specialists and witnessing the positive impact they had on their clients boosted my confidence in pursuing this career. I’m now employed with the agency, and I can clearly see how much my internship contributed to my growth. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity."

Aaliyah Patton, MAP Scholar

Alcorn State University

 

"Becoming a social worker has always been a dream of mine. I knew at a young age that advocacy was in my DNA. During my last semester at Jackson State University, I chose to do my internship with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. I have always had a passion for children, so being apart of the agency was a no brainer for me. During my internship, I met some amazing Social Service and Safety Specialists. I had the pleasure to shadow both sides and I learned the basics for how the agency works. I was able to follow a case from the start to end. I was given small tasks to help the specialists & that prepared me for my own case load. As a MAP Scholarship recipient, I was blessed to graduate and start my dream career of being a Social Service Specialist with the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. This is not just another “job” for me. This is my passion."

Sabrina Caldwell, MAP Scholar

Jackson State University

 

"This program helps current social work students get the education and the firsthand experience they need to hit the ground running. It also provides a tremendous resource for the department to identify the best and brightest people to enter the field in an already understaffed sector. Simply put, it means more resources for more children."

Andrea Sanders J.D., LMSW

Commissioner, MDCPS

 

"It's a great workforce development initiative because it brings local folks in, let's them get their education, and puts them back out in communities to serve the more vulnerable and at-risk populations in our state."

Jerome R. Kolbo, PhD, ACSW

Professor, USM School of Social Work PI, The Mississippi Title IV-E Project