DSW Showcase Student Presentation

This Capstone Presentation examines a holistic approach to improving the retention and recruitment of social work students in Appalachia. A synthesis of the current literature identifies barriers to education specific to Appalachian students, including socioeconomic challenges, cultural stigma of higher education and the profession of social work, and limited access to resources. Evidence-based strategies in social work recruitment and retention efforts address these issues but must be adapted to integrate culturally relevant strategies to target Appalachian students. The conceptual solution includes a focus on three integrated approaches: culturally relevant curricula which reflects the values and experiences of Appalachian communities, financial and academic support systems to reduce barriers to student success, and robust community engagement efforts to build stronger connections between Appalachian communities, students, and the profession of social work. These approaches, supported by systems theory, aim to highlight the current barriers to education and provide actionable solutions to improve retention and recruitment of social work students in the Appalachian region. Aligning social work education with the unique needs of Appalachian communities can reduce stigma related to social work and Appalachian culture and enhance community investment by retaining educated social workers in the area. This presentation provides attendees with a comprehensive understanding of how addressing systemic barriers can support and strengthen the Appalachian region, thus ensuring educational equity and rural development.