Invest in tomorrow's social workers to bring hope to the world.

Through internships, tomorrow's social workers gain hands-on experience that equips them to effectively and compassionately impact society's toughest problems. It's where theory meets practice. But the demands of internships can present a budgetary burden with increased living expenses and transportation costs and fewer hours for paid employment. Your gift relieves students of financial stress so they can thrive during these transformational field experiences and emerge prepared to change lives and strengthen our communities.

Here's what FSU College of Social work students are sharing about the need.

"As a first-generation student, I've depended on a combination of scholarships and working part-time to fund my education, rent, utilities, and grocery bills...Since starting my internship this semester, I've had to reduce my (paid) work hours in half...I have been working at my (unpaid) internship 32 hours every week and also working a part-time job around 15 hours every week. I have been working nearly 50 hours every week and I am barely making it financially...I feel as though I'm not getting the most experience out of my internship placement because of how overstretched I am." - Lucy Lawrence, FSU College of Social Work student

"While only working a part-time job, my budget for bills decreased...I could not find another part-time job to fit my internship schedule...Sacrificing meals or any expenses to help pay my rent became my only option. After my internship, my entire savings account was wiped out." - Brittany Mackey, FSU College of Social Work student

"As a first-generation college student and the primary supporter of my family, my internship put me in the position where I had to take out thousands of dollars of loans or be unable to pay for my living expenses. In the beginning of my internship I even considered leaving the program or not continuing my education." - Lovena Basquin, FSU College of Social Work student

In a recent survey of FSU College of Social Work students, 92% of respondents who worked an unpaid field placement felt it negatively impacted their mental health. 77% said they seriously considered leaving the field of social work due to the high demands of an unpaid internship.

The world needs caring, competent social workers. Give so that students do not sacrifice their own well-being as they dedicate themselves to serving others.