Programs

Strengthening, sustaining, and celebrating the social work workforce.

 Social workers are the silent changemakers in our schools, hospitals, shelters, courts, and communities. You are doing the heavy lifting—the heartwork—often without the resources, recognition, or support you actually need to sustain it.

The SWAG Alliance Foundation was created to change that narrative. Our programs are intentionally designed to remove barriers, build community, and pour back into the professionals who pour so much into Western Pennsylvania.

Explore our core programs below to find the support, training, or leadership opportunities you need for your journey.

Get Financial Support: Licensure Assistance

We see you. Studying, working, and maybe even caregiving, all while trying to come up the money to sit for your social work exam? We’ve been there.

Our financial assistance program was created to remove the financial barrier standing between you and your purpose. We help cover the cost of licensure exams so you can focus on taking the next step in your career.

  • Who it’s for: BSW, MSW, and LSW students, recent graduates, or retesters in Western Pennsylvania.
  • What it covers: Exam fees for LSW, LMSW, or LCSW licensure.
  • How it works: Rolling applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. No jumping through hoops—just a simple form to share your needs.
LIcensure Assistance

Professional Development & CEU Trainings

Helping others is meaningful work, but it’s also demanding. We offer live, virtual trainings grounded in cultural humility, trauma-informed leadership, and real-world application.

These sessions move beyond standard requirements to offer actionable, equity-centered practices that support both your clinical skills and your personal wellbeing.

  • What we offer: Topics range from grant writing and ethical suicide risk assessment to unpackaging bias in mental health care and burnout prevention for helpers.
  • Credits: Most trainings provide 1–2 CEUs approved for LSW, LCSW, LPC, and LMFT professionals in Pennsylvania and New York.
  • Focus: Actionable skill-building, ethical practice, and long-term sustainability—not just survival.
Trainings

LSW Clinical Supervision Cohort

There are a lot of talented social workers doing vital work without consistent access to quality clinical supervision. That gap slows down growth, delays licensure, and quietly contributes to burnout.

This free, 6-month cohort provides group clinical supervision facilitated by a seasoned Pennsylvania LCSW. It’s not just about “checking a box”—it’s a space for reflection, ethical support, and peer connection.

  • Who it’s for: Pennsylvania LSWs in Southwestern PA working in high-demand, under-resourced community settings without consistent employer-provided supervision.
  • Format: Monthly virtual sessions (1.5–2 hours) for a small, trusted group of up to 5 participants.
  • Goal: Guidance toward clinical growth and LCSW licensure readiness while navigating work that asks a lot of you.
Supervision

Macro Social Work Internships

For MSW students ready to look beyond traditional direct practice, we offer macro-focused internships centered on leadership, organizational strategy, and systems-level impact.

We believe meaningful macro experience means exposure to real conversations, real community impact, and the behind-the-scenes work required to sustain nonprofits and the helping profession itself.

  • What you’ll do: Support workforce sustainability initiatives, community outreach, professional development programming, and communications.
  • Time commitment: Approximately 16–18 hours per week (a blend of virtual meetings, independent work, and event participation).
  • Ideal for: Organized, proactive students passionate about advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and systems-building.
Internships