Aging and Adult Services (AAS) MSW Training Program

Purpose 

The goals of the Aging and Adult Services (AAS) MSW Training Program are to:

• Support MSW students with education, training, and stipends for careers in social work with aging and vulnerable adults in California’s public systems.
• Prepare MSWs to deliver evidence-based social work services for aging and vulnerable adults in California’s public Adult Services.
• Strengthen hiring, retention, and career growth of MSWs in public Adult Services statewide.

Funding 

The AAS MSW Training Program is funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as part of a statewide workforce development initiative identified as a priority in California’s Master Plan for Aging. Funding is provided to the San Jose State University Research Foundation, who administers the AAS Training Program. 

Eligible Students 

The AAS MSW Training Program is open to MSW students who are:

(1) enrolled in Chico State’s MSW program as a full time, part time, or advanced standing student

(2) entering either a foundation year or an advanced year of MSW study in good academic standing

(3) matched/matching with a practicum placement for the training year at a public services program serving vulnerable and aging adults

 (4) not receiving funding support from any other CDSS administered or state administered or training, stipend, or scholarship program.

Trainee Selection Criteria

The Aging and Adult Services MSW Training Program seeks MSW students who demonstrate:

• Interest in and commitment to learning about the issues, challenges and needs specific to social work practice with aging and vulnerable adults
• Linguistic and cultural competencies that align with the needs of underserved individuals, groups, and communities in California
• A strong and sustained commitment to social work careers working with aging and vulnerable adults in public Adult Services programs in California

MSW students are accepted into the AAS MSW Training Program for one academic year at a time and may participate in the program for a maximum of two academic years. Acceptance into the AAS MSW Training Program for one academic year does NOT guarantee acceptance for a second year.

Stipend Award 

Selected students will receive a stipend for the academic year disbursed in two payments. 

• Full time students: $22,500 for 2025-2026 academic year 
  • Fall and Spring semester disbursements of $11,250 are sent to trainees in mid semester, after confirmation of course registrations and academic standing
• Part time students: $11,250 for 2025-2026 academic year 
  • Fall and Spring semester disbursements of $5,625 are sent to trainees in mid semester, after confirmation of course registrations and academic standing

Student Requirements 

Foundation Year Coursework

Students must complete all required general and aging and gerontology-focused courses as specified by the MSW training program

• Due to the structure of the MSW Program at Chico State, foundation year students are not required to enroll and complete SWRK 674: Policy and Programs with Older Adults and their Families. SWRK 674 must be taken and completed during the concentration year.
• Courses should include core practice, policy, and research classes relevant to aging and gerontology.
• Appropriate courses are those that are recommended as preparation for an advanced year aging and adult services option/concentration or the closest equivalent in that MSW program
• AAS trainees should prioritize MSW course options that emphasize lifespan development, aging, health, and disability over those focused on child welfare or youth services.
• AAS trainees in MSW programs that offer Aging/Gerontology certificates must complete the certificate requirements by the MSW program during the training year.

Practicum Training Requirements

• Match with a practicum placement that must involve delivering PUBLIC services for aging and/or vulnerable adults at sites that are PUBLICLY FUNDED programs serving aging and vulnerable adults, such as Adult Services Intake, In Home Supportive Services, PACE, Public Guardian, Seniors First, and similar Area Agency on Aging, and Tribal programs. 
  • Foundation year students must be involved in contributing to the delivery of social work services for aging and vulnerable adults. 

Additional Training Requirements

• Participate in all San Jose State and Chico State SSW scheduled program meetings, trainings, educational sessions during the academic year. 

Advanced/Concentration Year Coursework

Students must complete all required general and aging and gerontology-focused courses as specified by the MSW training program.

• Enroll and complete SWRK 674: Policy and Programs with Older Adults and their Families at Chico State during the awarded academic year.

• Courses should include advanced practice, policy, and research classes relevant to aging and gerontology.

• Appropriate courses include those required for an advanced-year aging and adult services/gerontology concentration or the closest equivalent in the MSW program.
• AAS trainees should prioritize MSW course options that emphasize lifespan development, aging, health, and disability over those focused on child welfare or youth services.
• AAS trainees in MSW programs that offer Aging/Gerontology certificates must complete the certificate requirements by the MSW program during the training year.

Practicum Training Requirements

• Match with a practicum placement that must involve delivering PUBLIC services for aging and/or vulnerable adults at sites that are PUBLICLY FUNDED programs serving aging and vulnerable adults, such as Adult Services Intake, In Home Supportive Services, PACE, Public Guardian, Seniors First, and similar Area Agency on Aging, and Tribal programs. 
  • Advanced year students must be involved in providing social work services for aging and vulnerable adults.

Additional Training Requirements 

• Participate in all San Jose State and Chico State SSW scheduled program meetings, trainings, educational sessions during the academic year. 

Additional Student Commitments

AAS student trainees must commit to:

• Participating in all scheduled program meetings and trainings during the training year (including training program orientation and new graduate orientation sessions)
• Submit trainee information, practicum details, and pre/post-training surveys promptly throughout the training year.
• Provide updated contact info to SJSU as MSW graduation.
• Complete annual follow-up surveys as requested for at least seven years after graduation.
• Complete post-graduation service obligation within 36 months of graduation.
• (Ideally) take steps toward securing LCSW licensure, including registering as an ASW, seeking a position through which supervision hours can be accrued, and working towards eligibility for the ASWB Clinical Exam.

Post-Graduation Service Obligation

SJSU oversees all post-graduation tracking of trainee service obligation.

• Following completion of MSW program, complete the equivalent of 12 months of full-time services as master’s level social workers in publicly funded services to aging and vulnerable adules in the state of California. 
• Service employment sites include public APS, IHSS and PG/PC programs, behavioral health programs for aging and vulnerable adults housed in public Adult Services or Behavioral Health units, and AAA programs funded by the CDA
• All Aging and Adult Services MSW students are encouraged to pursue LCSW licensure through BBS registration and supervised hour documentation.

Post-Graduation Repayment Obligation

Former AAS student trainees who fail to complete (1) the MSW degree, (2) the AAS training program, or (3) the post-graduation service obligation by the specified deadline of their original projected graduation date must repay the stipend funding received. Former AAS trainees and AAS graduates who fulfill NONE of the service obligation must repay all stipend funding in full. AAS graduates who fulfill SOME but NOT ALL of the service obligation must repay a prorated amount based on the number of months of eligible service completed. For current AAS students, please reach out to Dr. Jennifer James (jennifer.james@sjsu.edu) with any questions regarding post-graduation repayment questions and concerns.

Informational Meetings 

Spring Information Meetings will be held over Zoom during the following dates and times:

• Monday, April 7^th from 12pm-1pm
• Thursday, April 10^th from 6pm-7pm
• Monday, April 14^th from 12pm-1pm
• Thursday, April 17^th from 6pm-7pm

Zoom Link: https://csuchico.zoom.us/j/4360514139?pwd=QjRLUjhHSDg1Qk14TlVuRVRrRTNRZz09

Application Process

The 2025-2026 Aging and Adult Services (AAS) MSW Training Program application deadline is Monday, April 21, 2025 by 5pm.

Interested students, please apply here.

Contact Information 

For more information about the AAS MSW Training Program at the California State University, Chico, School of Social Work, please contact the Program Coordinator, Dr. Cindy Vang at cvang31@csuchico.edu