SUSTAIN FAQ's
Tuition & Stipend Planning
How much tuition assistance does CW SUSTAIN provide?
CW SUSTAIN covers in-state tuition at the graduate rate for MSW/MSSW students employed by DCBS, attending an eligible Kentucky university with a child welfare-focused curriculum.
Tuition is not paid for retaking courses due to failure or withdrawal. If a course must be retaken, you are responsible for the cost of re-taking that course.
Eligible universities:
- Brescia
- Campbellsville University
- Spalding University
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Northern Kentucky University
- Western Kentucky University
How do I receive my stipend, and what is the amount?
The stipend amount is $600 per semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer).
Stipends are NOT provided for Winter or Summer 3–4 week terms, but these terms do count towards your work obligation repayment period.
Stipends are contingent upon successful completion of coursework; failure to complete your coursework may require you to repay your stipend .
When will my tuition and stipend payments be processed?
Tuition payments are processed directly to the university after the last add/drop date at the your university.
Stipends are disbursed through MyUK Financials (directly to you) after verification of enrollment and submission of required documents.
Processing timelines may vary; you should confirm your enrollment and financial aid status in MyUK.
What if my tuition is not paid on time?
If all required documents are submitted and issues persist, contact the SUSTAIN Admin via Slack or info@childwelfaresustain.com for assistance.
Do I have to pay back tuition or stipends if I leave DCBS?
Yes. If you leave DCBS before fulfilling your service commitment, you are required to repay all tuition and stipend funds received.
What are the Service Commitment Requirements?
CW SUSTAIN requires a service commitment upon graduation. The obligation is one full calendar year of DCBS employment for each academic year funded (e.g., two years of tuition = two years of required service).
If a participant leaves DCBS before completing their obligation, they must repay all tuition and stipend funds received.
Repayment must be made within 30 days of receiving a demand letter from the agency.
Joining Expansive Campus for SUSTAIN
What is CW SUSTAIN’s Expansive Campus?
CW SUSTAIN’s Expansive Campus is a dynamic, multi-layered ecosystem designed to foster community, connection, and competency development amongyou and the other CW SUSTAIN students. We use advanced techology to support you as you move through your CW SUSTAIN journey.
How does the Expansive Campus create a connected learning experience?
CW SUSTAIN’s Expansive Campus bridges institutions, students, and stakeholders through digital services with a foundation in providing all of the services you need to succeed.
With so many CW SUSTAIN students spread throughout the state of Kentucky, Extended campus provides a way to keep you all connected, allowing for shared learning, collaboration, and extending your professional network.
What makes the Expansive Campus unique?
Unlike traditional student engagement tools and platforms that rely on one-size-fits-all, transactional approaches, CW SUSTAIN’s Expansive Campus is:
- Iterative – Each program phase influences and is influenced by the next.
- Student-Centric – Extended Campus is designed with you in mind. Created to ensure your own individual needs are met instead of relying on institutional structures.
- Sustainable – Fosters long-term professional connections for you that extend beyond graduation, ensuring you’ll have continued access to resources and the network you built for yourself along the way.
How does the Expansive Campus support professional growth?
By integrating community, competency, and connection, CW SUSTAIN ensures that you:
- Engage in meaningful, cross-campus discourse with other CW SUSTAIN students.
- Develop critical professional skills through a wide variety of learning strategies.
- Connect with a large number of contacts who can support you in your career, including peers, mentors, and industry experts.
Important Dates/Contacts for SUSTAIN
When is the deadline to apply for CW SUSTAIN?
Applications are open February 1st through February 28th each year.
When will I be notified of my application status?
You will be notified within 10 weeks after the application deadline.
However, you can track your status updates in the application portal as you progress or contact the SUSTAIN team for assistance.
What are the key dates for tuition and stipend disbursements?
Fall Semester: Payments processed by [insert date]
Spring Semester: Payments processed by [insert date]
Summer Term (if applicable): Payments processed by [insert date]
Who can I contact if I have questions?
SUSTAIN Program Coordinator – [Emma? insert email]
Academic Case Manager – [insert email]
Financial Questions (MyUK Support) – [Service account? insert email/phone]
Technical Support (Bryan S?)– [insert contact]
