Substance Use Disorders Education and Leadership Scholars Program

 

CSWE Substance Use Disorders Education and Leadership Scholars Program

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is excited to announce the Substance Use Disorders Education and Leadership Scholars (SUDEALS) Program! 

Ten social work programs are selected to develop a cohort of social workers specializing in substance use disorders by engaging BSW and MSW students, together with practice, research, and policy. Throughout the duration of the program, the selected schools will implement the CSWE Practitioner Education in Substance Use and Misuse: Competency-Based Resources Guide in field placements or seminars. 

The SUDEALS program brings together social work programs, faculty leaders, and students to advance education and practice in the field of substance use disorders. Each participating program designates a Project Director who guides implementation efforts, fosters collaboration, and participates in cohort activities. Students selected for the program engage deeply in substance use disorder practice, developing their skills and exploring future careers in this specialized field. Faculty and field personnel play a vital role in mentoring students, sharing expertise, and building capacity within social work education to strengthen preparation for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery services.  

A central feature of the program is the use of CSWE’s Practitioner Education in Substance Use and Misuse: Competency-Based Resources Guide, which provides standardized and evidence-based learning opportunities. By integrating this guide, participating programs ensure consistent, high-quality preparation for the next generation of social workers addressing substance use disorders. 

The cohort includes: 

  • Herzing University 

  • University of South Carolina 

  • Bridgewater State University 

  • The Catholic University of America 

  • University of Washington 

  • Texas Southern University 

  • Simmons University 

  • Colorado State University Pueblo 

  • Universidad Ana G. Méndez Recinto de Carolina 

  • St. Catherine University  

Program Purpose

The objectives of the CSWE Substance Use Disorders Education and Leadership Scholars (SUDEALS) Program are to: 

  1. Build a specialized social work workforce by developing cohorts of BSW and MSW students prepared to work in substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery. 

  1. Enhance student learning and engagement through participation in webinars and the 2026 CSWE Fellows Forum. 

  1. Strengthen academic-practice partnerships by supporting project directors with professional development and access to evidence-based educational resources. 

  1. Implement CSWE’s Practitioner Education in Substance Use and Misuse: Competency-Based Resources Guide in social work curricula, field placements, and seminars to standardize and improve competency-based education. 

  1. Foster collaboration among participating programs through cohort meetings, shared learning, and ongoing communication. 

  1. Measure the effectiveness of the program through data collection and evaluation to inform future workforce development efforts in substance use disorder practice. 
     

2024 Grantees

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is pleased to announce the grantees for the second cohort of the Substance Use Disorders Education and Leadership Scholars Program.

Second year's grantees are as follows:

University of Alaska Anchorage
Program Director: Kathi R. Trawver, PhD, LMSW  

The University of Texas at Arlington
Program Director: Micki Washburn, PhD, LMSW, MA, LPC-S

Ramapo College of New Jersey
Program Director: Stephanie Elias Sarabia, PhD, LCSW, LCADC

Clark Atlanta University
Program Director: Shena Brown, PhD, LCSW, MAC 

St. Catherine University
Program Director: Kia Lee, MSW, MBA, LICSW

North Carolina State University
Program Director: Yarneccia Dyson, PhD, MSW

Bridgewater State University
Program Director: Taylor Hall, PhD

Florida Atlantic University
Program Director: Heather Howard, PhD, MSW, LICSW (MA,RI), LCSW-QS

Southern Connecticut State University
Program Director: Krystal P. Finch, DSW, LCSW

St. Edward's University
Program Director: Natalie Beck Aguilera, DSW, LCSW-S

Opioid Response Network logoFunding Information: The SUDEALS program is funded by a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Opioid Response Network (ORN) subaward via the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. The goal of ORN is to ensure enhancement and expansion of evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery support programs/services. For more information and resources on ORN, please visit the ORN website.