Alumni-Student Mentoring Program
The College of Social Work Alumni Association (SWAA) Alumni-Student Mentoring Program matches current College of Social Work students with alumni to promote purposeful one-on-one relationships between members of these populations.
Mentors (College of Social Work Alumni) and mentees (current students) are paired from January 2026 to May 2026. Mentors and mentees will interact during the program (once per month at a minimum) to discuss a variety of topics and participate in activities intended to help the mentee work toward their academic and career goals. In order for the college to ensure mentor/mentee matches are progressing appropriately, achievement of program milestones (meetings, etc.) must be logged by the student mentee.
Although mentors and mentees may utilize any appropriate communication mechanism (e.g., email, phone call, text message) and meeting modality (e.g., in-person, Zoom, phone call), shared expectations regarding communication and meetings must be agreed upon during the first meeting and formally documented via the Mentor/Mentee Agreement Form.
If desired, mentors and mentees are welcome to stay in contact after the program is officially over.
Who Should Participate?
You should consider applying to be an alumni mentor if:
- You are an alumnus of the UK College of Social Work and would like to be more connected to the college.
- You want to make a difference in a student’s life and are willing to interact with your student mentee often enough for completion of all program milestones (which include meeting once per month at a minimum) and to provide networking and other opportunities as appropriate.
You should consider applying to be a student mentee if:
- You are a current student in the UK College of Social Work.
- You want to learn more about your future career, and have the support of a mentor in working toward your future professional goals.
- You are willing to interact with your alumni mentor often enough for completion of all program milestones (which include meeting once per month at a minimum).
Applications for Spring 2026 are now open!
The deadline to apply as a student mentee has passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Mentoring pairs must commit to a five-month mentoring relationship, from January 2026 to May 2026. Participants are expected to attend a Virtual Launch Orientation at the start of the program and a Virtual Wrap-Up at the end of the program.
- Alumni mentors and student mentees should develop a working relationship and must interact often enough to complete all program milestones, which include meeting once per month at a minimum. Mentors and mentees may have more contact if agreed upon by the pair. Mentees must log completion of program milestones. Pairs will agree upon shared expectations regarding communication and meetings via the Mentor/Mentee Agreement Form.
- More specific information regarding program milestones will be provided to mentors and mentees via a program handbook. Each month, pairs who complete all milestones due during that month will be entered to win College of Social Work swag!
- In addition to the above-mentioned regular interactions between mentors and mentees, upon conclusion of the program, all participants should complete a post-program survey, responses to which will be taken into consideration for future program planning.
- Alumni mentors must be graduates of a University of Kentucky College of Social Work degree program.
- As well, alumni mentors should want to make a difference in a student’s life, and should understand and have sufficient capacity to agree to the time commitment as described above.
- Those interested in participating as an alumni mentor should complete an application.
- Student mentees must be current students in a University of Kentucky College of Social Work degree program.
- As well, student mentees should want to engage with and receive support form an alumni related to the student’s academic and career goals. Student mentees should understand and have sufficient capacity to agree to the time commitment as described above.
- Those interested in participating as a student mentee should complete an application.
The deadline to apply as a student mentee has passed.
- As much as possible, pairings will be assigned, based on information provided via the application process, for alignment of academic program experience and/or field / specialty of interest when possible, but this is not guaranteed.
- If members of a mentoring pair do not live in the same geographic area, they should plan to interact electronically (e.g., FaceTime, Zoom, phone, email).
- In December 2025, those who apply to participate will be notified via email regarding the status of their application and next steps in the program.
No, the SWAA Alumni-Student Mentoring Program is free. Alumni mentor and student mentee participation is voluntary. Please note that the College of Social Work will not reimburse program participants for expenses incurred (e.g., mileage, meals).
Have a question not listed here? Want to talk with someone about the program?
Contact Anna Chalfant, Assistant Dean of Strategic Operations
CoSW
spotlights
Our alumni are dedicated to improving the human condition through steadfast service. Their stories serve to inspire current and new generations of social workers.
Calendar of Events
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4 events,
Explore our Master of Social Work (MSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below, under 'Website' The UK Difference Our MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program
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On Monday, December 1, from 4-5pm EST, the College of Social Work is hosting Nicole Hockley, the co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. Ms. Hockley chose to
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 1 Introduction and Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Youth in Foster Care December 1st, 2025 5:00 PM-7:00 PM EST Via Zoom
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Blended Families: Parenting Children When They Don’t Get Along assists caregivers with identifying issues that children may experience that are unique to blended families. It offers strategies to create a |
2 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a 
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
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5 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
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Holiday Meltdowns: Connecting through the Chaos with Your Foster Child December 3, 2025 11:30 AM-1:00 PM EST Via Zoom Lora Buth, MS, OT/L 1.5 credit hours This training will assist 
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for Criminal Justice students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program
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Grief in the Holidays: Navigating the Holiday Season after Loss November 24, 2025 6:00 PM-7:30 PM EST Via Zoom Emily Johnson, MS, LMFT 1.5 credit hours This training explores the |
4 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 2 Parenting Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma December 4th, 2025 5:00 PM-7:00 PM EST Via Zoom Melanie Parsons, M.A. 2 credit hours
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Creating Memories & Meaningful Family Traditions for Blended Families will inform parents of triggers children in their home may have and what they can do as parents to help create
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Helping Foster & Adopted Children Cope with Holiday Stress is designed to assist foster and adoptive parents in learning and understanding how stressful holidays can be for foster/adopted children. It |
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1 event,
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“Parenting with PRIDE: The Power of Positivity” is designed for foster and adoptive families, emphasizing the principles of Positive Parenting to create a nurturing, supportive environment. This training covers strategies |
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4 events,
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 3 Developing & Sustaining a Healthy & Supportive Relationship with Your Youth December 8th, 2025 5:00 PM –7:00 PM EST Via Zoom
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Understanding and Coping with Sensory Processing Challenges provides parents with tools to engage and work with children who display sensory processing challenges. Parents will learn what Sensory Processing Disorder is
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Healthy Boundaries: Strategies for Answering Tough Questions helps foster and adoptive parents understand the importance of setting boundaries in their lives. It explains the different types of boundaries (Physical and
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Child Development 0-5 explores the typical milestones, or skills, that children develop from birth through age 5. It offers resources that caregivers can utilize to determine if a developmental screening |
6 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is at the end of the event listing, under 'Website'.
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify as LGBTQ+. The 
This group is an opportunity for kinship caregivers to come together to find support, community, and resources in the care of relative and fictive children. This group will focus on |
3 events,
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for Social Work students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program
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Understanding the Brain and Fear Responses in Traumatized Children provides an overview of brain development and how fight/flight/freeze fear responses may manifest in children who have experienced trauma. In addition, |
2 events,
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 4 Nurturing Youth’s Cultural / Racial / Ethnic Needs and Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity December 11, 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00
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Learning to Communicate: Developing Social Skills will equip parents to understand the process of communicating with children, teaching children to communicate with adults and peers, and developing interpersonal social skills. |
3 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
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This 90-minute session examines intimate partner violence (IPV) and elder abuse as interconnected public health issues shaped by social determinants of health (SDoH), structural inequities, and intersecting identities. Participants will
$20
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Strategies to Remain Positive When Adopting describes common behaviors that the child(ren) may exhibit as well as feelings adoptive parents may have during the adoption process, including grief and post-adoption |
2 events,
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Helping Your Child to Succeed in School will increase the ability of foster/adoptive parents to understand educational challenges faced by foster/adopted children. It will give resource parents the tools for
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Creating Memories & Meaningful Family Traditions for Blended Families will inform parents of triggers children in their home may have and what they can do as parents to help create |
1 event,
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Join our comprehensive training designed specifically for foster and adoptive parents to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support children affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders |
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4 events,
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Postponed
KIN-VIP: Grandparents Connection
Postponed
KIN-VIP: Grandparents Connection
Grandparent’s Connection is a supportive gathering created just for grandparents raising grandchildren. This group offers a welcoming space to share experiences, find encouragement, and connect with others who understand the joys
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 5 Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1 December 15th, 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST Via Zoom Melanie
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Helping Your Child Make Healthy & Positive Choices: Talking to Teens & Preteens will teach foster and adoptive parents the importance of open and ongoing dialogue with their preteen or
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Building Positive Relationships with Case Workers & Community Partners provides foster parents the information and tools needed to establish a positive working relationship with their caseworker and child’s caseworker, with |
6 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is at the end of the event listing, under 'Website'.
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The Internet Safety training explores questions caregivers often have related to internet safety. It examines recommended guidelines for internet access and usage among children. It provides resources related to parental
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Positive Discipline for Teenagers will provide foster/Adoptive Parents with effective tools that will guide them to positive discipline and communication with teenagers that are in their care/home. It discusses the |
4 events,
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
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Are you an aunt, uncle, cousin, sister, or brother raising a relative? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself. Raising children as a relative (other
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Preventing Child Abuse: Types, Signs & Symptoms will inform parents of the definition of child abuse and ways it can be prevented. It provides descriptions and statistics of different types
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Connecting with Your Child While Correcting Behavior introduces parents to strategies to use to help them feel connected to children while correcting difficult behaviors. Parents will learn how to connect |
4 events,
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Join The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness—but for kinship caregivers, it can also bring stress, emotional triggers, and the pressure of trying
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 6 Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2 December 18th, 2025 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST Via Zoom Melanie
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Postponed
KIN-VIP: Rising While Raising Wellness
Postponed
KIN-VIP: Rising While Raising Wellness
Rising While Raising Wellness is a supportive community for kinship caregivers who are balancing the demands of raising children with the need to care for themselves. This weekly one-hour session creates
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Strategies for Parenting Teens will provide an overview of adolescent development and common questions and challenges presented by youth who are in foster care or were adopted. This training will |
1 event,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a |
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2 events,
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Transracial Parenting: Ages 5-12 explores the unique experiences of transracial families and examines developmental stages of racial identity development in elementary and middle school-aged children. It offers strategies to create an
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ASK-VIP Support Groups are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents in an inclusive, safe, and compassionate environment. They are led by seasoned facilitators who have |
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2 events,
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 7 A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills December 22, 2025 5:00 PM-7:00 PM EST Via Zoom Melanie Parsons, M.A. 2
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ASK-VIP Support Group for Foster/Adoptive Parents of Teens is specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who are caring for teenagers or those considering fostering and/or adopting teenagers. This support group offers |
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1 event,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a |
0 events,
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1 event,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a |
0 events,
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0 events,
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0 events,
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0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a |
0 events,
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0 events,
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0 events,
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