Centers, Institutes & Projects

Focus on Contemporary Issues

Our specialized institutes, centers, and projects address a range of contemporary issues and professional challenges, and host open conferences, workshops, and other educational opportunities throughout the year.

Black Studies Project

The mission of the Black Studies Project is to further the School of Social Work’s efforts in preparing social work practitioners for culturally competent practice with individuals, families, and communities of African descent. Based on the tenets that every person is entitled to the benefit of physical and mental well-being, supportive family and community systems, and the opportunity to reach their maximum potential, the Black Studies Project is centered around improving the quality of life for Black people, advocating for social and economic justice, cultivating awareness and respect for their cultural values, norms and attitudes, and supporting and celebrating the intrinsic abilities and strengths of Black people.

Center for International Social Work Studies (CISWS)

The Center promotes and supports international social work through seminars, international curriculum development, faculty exchanges, international field placements for students, cross-national research and our annual International Day event. The Center facilitates the School’s existing partnerships with universities in the West Indies, Armenia and England, and develops other international relationships.

Institute for Violence Prevention and Reduction (IVPR)

The Institute was founded by the school to systematically address the forces contributing to violence by bringing together key groups to collaborate on solutions. The mission of the IVPR is to serve as a catalyst and support for collaboration among diverse groups who seek relevant information on violence reduction; work with policy makers to develop more effective approaches and policies for violence reduction; share and disseminate information that will help to promote understanding of violence and its causes; study violence reduction initiatives through research, training and program evaluation; and identify and design effective violence reduction initiatives.

Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work (NAHIPSW)

The mission of this Institute is to increase the number of social workers who pursue careers in politics. In addition, the Institute explores ways in which social workers can contribute to the political empowerment of clients through voter registration, mobilization, and education.

Puerto Rican and Latin@ Studies Project (PRLSP)

Established as a Focused Area of Study of Puerto Rican/Latin@ studies, the project helps prepare social workers to competently serve the Latin@ community and to advocate for changes that safeguard and enhance the quality of life and empower Latin@ individuals, families, and communities. Faculty involved in the PRLSP also assist in recruiting and mentoring Latin@ students.