Adopt a Social Worker
Strengthening the Future of Social Work
The Adopt-A-Social-Worker Initiative helps emerging social workers overcome financial barriers, access professional development opportunities, prepare for licensure, and build sustainable careers in the profession.
Why It Matters?
Social workers play a critical role in supporting children, families, older adults, veterans, schools, healthcare systems, and communities facing complex challenges. Yet many emerging social workers enter the profession carrying significant financial burdens while navigating the demanding path to licensure and long-term career sustainability.
Today, the profession faces growing workforce shortages, increased rates of burnout and turnover, and barriers that make it difficult for talented professionals to remain in the field.
Many aspiring social workers struggle to afford exam fees, study materials, continuing education, and professional development opportunities. Others lack access to mentorship, leadership development, and the support networks needed to thrive in their careers.
The Adopt-A-Social-Worker Initiative was created to help address these challenges by investing in the next generation of social workers. Through licensure assistance, professional development, mentorship, and workforce sustainability resources, we are helping emerging professionals build the confidence, skills, and support needed to succeed.
When you invest in a social worker, you invest in stronger families, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future for the profession.
Our Impact
In just one year, SWAG Alliance Foundation has begun building pathways that strengthen and sustain the social work workforce.
100+ Continuing Education Credits Earned
Helping social workers and helping professionals maintain licensure, strengthen skills, and advance their professional development.
30+ Social Workers Supported
Providing guidance, resources, and support to individuals navigating the licensure process and professional transition into the field.
Weekly Licensure Preparation Support
Creating opportunities for social workers to prepare for licensure exams through study support, encouragement, and shared learning.
1st Clinical Supervision Cohort Launched
Expanding access to quality clinical supervision for social workers pursuing advanced licensure and professional development.
2nd Clinical Supervision Cohort Underway
Building on the success of our inaugural cohort to support additional social workers in their professional journey.
Year-Round Professional Development Opportunities
Offering continuing education, leadership development, workforce sustainability programming, and community connection opportunities.
Growing Network of Social Work Leaders
Bringing together social workers, clinical supervisors, educators, speakers, and community partners committed to strengthening the profession.
Beyond Licensure
The Adopt-A-Social-Worker Initiative is about more than passing an exam. It is about helping social workers build sustainable careers through mentorship, professional development, leadership opportunities, and ongoing support.
"SWAG supported me during a time when I needed it most. I found myself facing a severe financial hardship that brought my licensure journey to a halt. I reached out to Sharise Nance seeking support. At the time, the organization was only providing reimbursement assistance. About a month later, I received an email sharing that direct financial assistance had become available. I completed the application, submitted my supporting documents, and both my licensure exam and practice exam were paid in full the very next day. That support removed a major barrier and allowed me to continue moving forward in my career. I am forever grateful." —
Future Leader
$1,000
Full journey social worker support; exams, prep materials, CEUs, plus a certification training of their choice to advance their career and impact.
Pathway to Practice
$660
Covers everything needed to cross the finish line into licensure: practice exam, licensure exam fee, prep materials, and CEU training.
Exam Prep Power Pack
$300
Provides essential study materials to help a future social worker feel confident, prepared, and supported.
The License Lift
$250
Covers the official social work licensure exam fee — removing a major financial barrier to entering the profession.
The Starter Step
$100
Funds a practice exam so emerging social workers can gauge readiness, reduce anxiety, and build confidence before the big test.
The First Step
$50
Helps support workforce wellness, mentorship, and professional development resources.