Social Work Students Address Grand Challenges

Anupama Jacob, Ph.D., Social Worker

Chelsea Cooke, Undergraduate, Social Work

Heather Turner, Undergraduate, Social Work

Blanca Vasquez, Undergraduate, Social Work

Sarah Bedore, Undergraduate, Social Work

Micaiah Mahan, Undergraduate, Social Work

Daphne Rosales, Undergraduate, Social Work

Kelsey Burgess, Undergraduate, Social Work

The American Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare has identified 12 Grand Challenges and called for social workers to confront these most challenging social issues in the U.S. by improving individual and family well-being, strengthening the social fabric, and helping create a more just society. Drawing on data collected from their field placements, seven social work students present findings from their original research projects that each address at least one of the 12 Grand Challenges. Students’ topics include housing for veterans, perceived needs of immigrant and low-income communities, addressing substance abuse among incarcerated youth, promoting long and productive lives for older adults, and adolescent perceptions of domestic violence shelters. Together, they demonstrate how social workers can create positive social change and promote the goals of the 12 Grand Challenges program by using their acquired knowledge to advocate for individuals from diverse backgrounds.