MESA, Arizona — April 19, 2021 — Family Involvement Center (FIC) and the Mesa Community College Social Work Program are accepting applications for the FIC-MCC Parent Peer Support Social Work Scholarship Stipend Program. The program seeks participants who are in recovery from opioid use or addiction wishing to launch a career helping others with similar life experiences.
The program, which initially launched in fall 2020, was created as part of a four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to FIC, is designed specifically to develop careers for individuals based on their life experiences so they may help others dealing with similar circumstances.
Participants selected for the program receive a year of college tuition, Live Online social work courses at MCC, a computer to access classes and a monthly stipend to cover the cost of internet service and other living expenses. After completing the first year of classes, which includes work experience through an internship at FIC, participants are eligible to apply for a paid position in an FIC apprenticeship program, continuing education guidance and job placement assistance.
“Watching the initial participants see their life experiences -- which are typically categorized as shameful -- serve as a strength in this program is one of the most rewarding experiences for our agency and others working in child welfare. “We aim to reduce the stigma surrounding recovery while encouraging those struggling through the process to see new possibilities.” said Jane Kallal, FIC executive director.
Ideal program participants are parents who have lived experiences with child serving systems such as child welfare and juvenile justice, who have earned a high school or general education diploma, have lived in Arizona for at least 12 months and can commit to completing course expectations, attending twice weekly classes and completing homework. Social work is the nation's No. 1 helping profession and the MCC Social Work Program is the top contributor of quality social work students to schools of social work in Arizona.
"Overcoming significant adversity and challenge makes us stronger individuals. The parents participating in this program are transforming their struggles into strengths,” said Dori DiPietro, director of the MCC Social Work program. “We hope these future Parent Peer Support Specialists will find their new careers rewarding and decide to continue their education at MCC.”
Visit mesacc.edu\social-work to learn more and apply to participate in this innovative, community-driven, career building opportunity. The deadline for receipt of applications is May 15.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses, additional locations and a combination of online formats. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, MCC is transforming how it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment and advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and nearly 50% of its students are the first in their families to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized tribes of Arizona as well as out-of- state tribes. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The diverse student body includes more than 300 international students from 55 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully transfer to a university or compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.