Recruitment and Retention of Latinos in Social Work Education: Building on Students’ Community Cultural Wealth

ABSTRACT

Spanish-speaking and culturally sensitive social workers are in high demand throughout the country to work with Latino clients. Latinos currently represent about 11% of active social workers, limiting the capacity of social work to effectively address the needs of the Latino population. Despite this shortage, little attention has been paid to the recruitment and retention of Latinos in social work. This article presents a case study that examines a BSW program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, at a bilingual, private college where 90% of students self-identify as Latinos. It details how the BSW program builds on the students’ community cultural wealth to ensure continued recruitment and retention of Latino students. Implications for social work education are discussed.

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Notes on contributors

Katarzyna Olcoń

Katarzyna Olcoń, MSW, is a Ph.D. Candidate at The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work. Marcia Pantell, LCSW, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work and Addictions Counseling at St. Augustine College, Chicago, Illinois. Andrew C. Sund, Ph.D., is the President at Heritage University in Yakima Valley, Washington.