Focusing on the economic and psychosocial costs of field practicum, this study examines the challenges reported by social work students completing their practicum hours. Findings reveal disproportionate hardships for first-generation students and those with disabilities, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to ensure equity and sustainability in social work education.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the financial and psychosocial challenges reported by U.S. social work students engaging in field practicum as a required part of their social work degree programs.
Upon completion, participants will be able to highlight differences in the financial and psychosocial challenges reported by first-generation students and those with disabilities as compared to their demographic counterparts.
Upon completion, participants will be able to critically reflect on how study findings may inform efforts to reform contemporary field practicum standards and requirements for U.S. social work degree programs.
