September 5, 2018 | Reesa Olins - School of Social Work

MSW Student Awarded Minority Fellowship from CSWE

MSW student Danielle Leblanc is an award recipient of the Council on Social Work Education’s Minority Fellowship Program (CSWE MFP). The Master’s Minority Fellowship Program is a program designed to enhance the training of full-time, master’s-level, direct practice social work students in their final year of study. MFP award recipients must identify mental health and/or substance […]

Danielle LeBlanc

MSW student Danielle Leblanc is an award recipient of the Council on Social Work Education’s Minority Fellowship Program (CSWE MFP). The Master’s Minority Fellowship Program is a program designed to enhance the training of full-time, master’s-level, direct practice social work students in their final year of study. MFP award recipients must identify mental health and/or substance use disorder service delivery to racial/ethnic minority populations as their focus and be committed to seeking employment in this field after graduation.

“I am so honored to receive this year’s Council of Social Work Education’s Minority Fellowship Program award. This fellowship will give me the opportunity to  expand my knowledge and allow me to grow into a well-rounded social worker,” said Danielle.

The purpose of the program is to reduce health disparities and improve behavioral health-care outcomes for racially and ethnically diverse populations by increasing the number of culturally competent master’s-level behavioral health professionals available to serve racial/ethnic minority populations. Funding for MFP is provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Center for Mental Health Services.

Dr. Miriam Valdovinos wrote a letter of support for Danielle’s nomination. “I am thrilled that Danielle is one of this year’s award recipient for the Council of Social Work Education’s Minority Fellowship Program. It is an important and prestigious recognition at a national level and it will support Danielle’s future goals to reduce health disparities and improve behavioral health-care outcomes for racially and ethnically diverse populations in Connecticut. Danielle’s academic achievements and direct clinical practice interests position her as an exceptional candidate for this award,” stated Dr. Valdovinos.

Recipients receive a 1-year fellowship that includes specialized training on mental health and/or substance use disorder issues of racial/ethnic minority populations; a monetary stipend; and other professional development supports.

Danielle is thrilled to receive this Fellowship. “The CSWE MFP will allow me to be one step closer to my goal in reducing the disparities surrounding mental and behavioral health issues impacting racial and ethnic populations. I am delighted to begin this school year with the support of UConn School of Social Work and CSWE MFP!”