CBU and Riverside County Launch Fellowship for Social Work Leaders

The inaugural cohort, consisting of students from the university's Master and Doctor of Social Work programs, were formally introduced during a blazer ceremony on August 26. Unlike standard internships focused on observation, the fellowship assigns participants to active projects tied to department operations and services. Participants bring existing professional backgrounds from military and public service sectors to their new roles, working directly alongside agency experts.

This partnership arrives as Riverside County grapples with a significant workforce shortage. The region’s population reached approximately 2.54 million in 2025, representing a 5.2% increase since 2020. With the Department of Public Social Services serving over 1 million residents annually, the 2025 California Health Interview Survey highlights a critical need for qualified personnel to support underserved populations. By embedding graduate students into the agency, both institutions aim to cultivate a pipeline of professionals ready to address the complexities of modern human services delivery.