DCS Scholars & Internships
The Indiana Department of Child Services is committed to building a skilled, compassionate workforce dedicated to helping children and families thrive. Through the DCS Scholars and DCS Internships programs, eligible students and DCS employees can pursue educational, practicum, and internship opportunities to advance professional skills and apply academic knowledge to real-world child welfare practice.
Explore the programs below to learn more about eligibility, scholarship and educational benefits, and opportunities to build your future with DCS.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars Program (BSW Scholars)
Are you a Bachelor of Social Work student interested in making a difference in the lives of Indiana children and families? The DCS BSW Scholars Program helps prepare BSW Seniors through financial support, specialized training and education, and a pathway to a fulfilling career at DCS. DCS partners with the following Indiana universities for the BSW Scholars program:
- Ball State University (online, Muncie)
- Indiana State University (Terre Haute)
- Indiana University (Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Northwest, South Bend)
- University of Southern Indiana (Evansville)
Program Overview & Benefits
BSW Scholars receive educational and professional development opportunities designed to support their success in a child welfare career, including:
- Tuition assistance and financial aid: BSW Scholars can receive full in-state tuition and a $4,000 annual stipend.
- Specialized coursework and training: BSW Scholars take two academic courses to provide foundational child welfare knowledge and skills accompanied by DCS-specific training.
- Practicum at DCS: BSW Scholars complete their BSW practicum at a local DCS office to gain hands-on experience, engage with children and families and network with DCS professionals.
- Direct pathway to employment: After graduation, BSW Scholars transition into a full-time family case manager position at DCS if all program requirements are met.
Program Eligibility
- Applicants must be pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from the following universities:
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- Ball State University
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- Indiana State University
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- Indiana University
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- University of Southern Indiana
- Applicants must have junior standing and apply to the program for their senior year.
- Applicants must have a 2.5 overall GPA and a 3.0 social work GPA.
BSW juniors at the partnering Indiana universities are encouraged to apply! Applications for the 2027-2028 BSW Scholars program are now open, and interested students can apply here.
Application deadline for the 2027-2028 academic year is Friday, January 15, 2027.
Pathway to Employment at DCS
The DCS BSW Scholars Program prepares BSW seniors for a career as a DCS family case manager, a professional who works with children, families and community partners to support child safety, permanency and well-being.
In exchange for scholarship support, BSW Scholars must commit to working for DCS for one to two years following graduation, subject to program requirements. For inquiries and more information, please reach out to DCSscholars@dcs.in.gov.
Attend a BSW Scholars Information Session
BSW Scholars Program information sessions are held by the DCS Scholars Team from September through November. If you are interested in learning more about the BSW Scholars Program, please register for an information session via the DCS Scholars & Internships Linktree.
Master of Social Work (MSW) Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars Program (MSW Scholars)
The DCS MSW Scholars Program is an opportunity for eligible, current DCS employees in a child-welfare facing role to advance their education, strengthen their child welfare expertise, and apply advanced social work practice in their professional roles. This program supports DCS employees’ pursuit of a Master of Social Work degree during their employment with DCS, offering a pathway to better support Indiana children and families while continuing career growth and development. Partnering universities for the MSW Scholars program include:
- Ball State University (Muncie, Fishers)
- Indiana State University (Terre Haute)
- Indiana University (online MSW Direct, Bloomington, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Northwest, South Bend, Southeast)
Program Overview & Benefits
MSW Scholars receive educational and professional development opportunities to grow their career in child welfare, including:
- Tuition assistance: Full in-state tuition coverage for part-time program status of up to 36 months.
- Textbook reimbursement: $750 annually for textbook reimbursement.
- Employment-based practicum: Connect advanced social work theories and knowledge to real-world practice at DCS.
Program Eligibility
- Applicants must be current DCS employees in a child-welfare facing role for at least two years by the time MSW Scholars program begins in fall 2027 (to determine if your current DCS role is eligible, please reach out to DCSscholars@dcs.in.gov).
- Applicants must have previous satisfactory performance appraisal(s) and no disciplinary action on employment record.
- Applicants must have acceptance into partnering MSW program at time of application.
Attend an MSW Scholars Information Session
MSW Scholars Program information sessions are held by the DCS Scholars Team from July through December. If you are interested in learning more about the MSW Scholars Program, please register for an information session via the DCS Scholars & Internships Linktree. For inquiries and more information, please reach out to DCSscholars@dcs.in.gov.
The application for the 2027 MSW Scholars cohort is now open! For the application and other inquiries, please email DCSscholars@dcs.in.gov. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 29, 2027.
DCS offers various internships and practicum opportunities for college students who have completed at least one year of post-secondary education. This program serves as a bridge between classroom studies and professional work for college students who are interested in participating in a structured job shadowing program and learning more about DCS. Internships and practicums seek to achieve set goals, provide opportunities for reflection, present a continual challenge to the student, and incorporate active learning, with the student as an active participant in all stages of the experience from planning to evaluation. Interns may not perform any task or make any decision that may impact the safety and/or well-being of children. While the primary emphasis is on positions for attorneys and family case managers, opportunities may also be available in other areas, including communications, policy, finance, and more. We accept internships year-round, regardless of whether specific openings are immediately available. Interested candidates may apply at any time! As positions become available, we will review applications and match candidates with relevant opportunities. Apply here.
If you have any questions, feel free to email DCSInternships@dcs.IN.gov.
