University of Washington School of Social Work

CWTAP Application Portal

Applications Open on January 15th, 2026!
Child Welfare Training & Advancement Program (CWTAP)
Funding Your Social Work Education through CWTAP

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CWTAP Application Deadlines

Application Portal Opens: January 15th, 2026

BASW (Juniors Only): February 20th, 2026
Full-Time Advanced Standing: February 20th, 2026
Full-Time: February 27th, 2026
Part-Time Evening: March 13th, 2026

As part of this process takes place concurrently with your admissions application into the UW School of Social Work, you may receive CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE into the CWTAP Program until you have provided your official acceptance letter into the UW School of Social Work Graduate Program to CWTAP.

Please REGISTER for a CWTAP Information Session below as this is a REQUIRED part of your application packet.

If you have questions please email:

cwtapseattle@socialwork.uw.edu or pchant@uw.edu

CWTAP Information Sessions

If you are curious about learning more about the CWTAP Program, please attend an Information Session below. Attendance at a CWTAP Information Session is MANDATORY for anyone applying to the CWTAP Program. This is the next step in the process prior to applying. Any application packets received where the applicant has not attended an information session will not be considered complete, and applicants will not be invited to interview.

BASW (Junior Standing Only)

All BASW current juniors at UW Seattle are eligible to apply. They will complete their last year in the CWTAP Program as a BASW Senior.

Information Sessions

2/4/26 @ 6pm

Full Time & Advanced Standing

This information session is for all prospective or current students interested in the Full-Time Program or Full-Time Advanced Standing Program.

Information Sessions:

1/15/26 @ 6pm

Part-Time Evening

This information session is for all prospective or current students interested in the Part-Time Evening Program.

Information Session:

2/26/26 @ 6pm

Promoting Training Excellence in
Washington State's Child Welfare Workforce

For over 30 years, the UW Seattle Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP) has helped students and professionals grow into confident, advanced-level social work practitioners. Whether you're launching your career or already working in child welfare operations at DCYF, CWTAP offers specialized training, hands-on field experience, and up to 100% of in-state tuition support as federal funding allows. In return, participants agree to work at DCYF in a child welfare operations-approved position or receive prior approval from DCYF to work with a Federally Recognized Tribal partner after graduation. Explore the Benefits of CWTAP and Start Your Journey!

Financial Assistance

Covers up to 100% of in-state tuition and fees for BASW and MSW students (based on funding availability). In return, participants agree to work in a DCYF-approved public child welfare operations position for the same length of time they received tuition support.

Specialized Support

One-on-one academic and practicum support from experienced professionals in child welfare, CWTAP Field Faculty Advisors and Field Instructors—helping you build advanced skills and confidently navigate your path in public child welfare.

Student-Centered Cohorts

Fosters connection and resilience through a supportive cohort model—building lasting relationships and a strong sense of community for a more sustainable and empowered social work practice.

What Steps To Take to Prepare to Apply to CWTAP

1

Acceptance Into the UW School of Social Work

CWTAP applicants must provide proof of admission to the UW School of Social Work Graduate Program or verification of current enrollment as a BASW or MSW.

Applicants may receive a CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE into the CWTAP Program, requiring submission of this documentation before full acceptance is granted.

2

Attend a CWTAP
Information Session

CWTAP applicants are REQUIRED to attend a CWTAP Information Session. Applicants need to ensure they are aware of the program benefits, limitations, and have a shared space to ask questions about the program. Any applications whereby the applicant has not attended an Information Session will not be invited to interview.

3

Application Documents

Acceptance Letter
Updated Resume
UW SSW Admission Essay
CWTAP Essay
I-9 Employment Eligibility Form
Driver's License (must be eligible to drive)
Social Security Card or alternative form of ID noted on I-9 documents list
2 letters of professional reference

*** Applicants must meet employment eligibility requirements. Due to being a federally funded program, we are unable to offer admission to International and undocumented students.

4

DCYF Employee Documents

CWTAP applicants who are current DCYF Employees in the Child Welfare Operations Division will be required to also provide a DCYF Regional Administration Approval Form to be signed by: the applicant, their immediate supervisor, the Area Administrator, and the Regional Area Administrator.
Reference requirements: One of the two references needs to be from your immediate DCYF Supervisor.

5

Application Review Starts

BASW: 2/20/26
Full-Time Advanced Standing: 2/20/26
Full-Time: 2/27/26
Part-Time Evening: 3/13/26

6

Applicants Invited to Interview

Initial screening of CWTAP applicant packets will be completed, and select applicants will be invited to interview with a panel consisting of members of the CWTAP Team and DCYF Leadership. This is a highly competitive process, and applicants are encouraged to have a good understanding of the CWTAP Program.

7

Conditional Acceptance

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance or conditional acceptance if they are awaiting their official letters of acceptance into the UW School of Social Work Graduate Program. Applicants are responsible for providing the CWTAP Program with the letter of acceptance into the UW School of Social Work as a part of their application packet.

8

Contract Agreement Signing

Final admission into CWTAP is dependent on applicants attending a Contract Agreement Signing, and completing the contract with a final signature.

25

Average Class Size

Top 1%

Most Diverse
Universities in the Nation

CWTAP Roadmap to Applying