Donors give $22,160 to KU Social Welfare during One Day One KU

Margaret Hair

Practicum directors and advisors hold signs that thank donors for their support on One Day One KU

LAWRENCE – The seventh annual One Day One KU set a giving day record for the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. On March 6, 163 donors gave $22,160 to support social work students and education at KU.

Many of the 167 gifts to the KU School of Social Welfare will go toward a new fund to support students in practicum. While some practicum placements are paid, many are not. Donations from One Day One KU will help offset the unseen costs of practicum and provide important financial relief for students.

Donors pledged $9,500 through six matching or challenge gifts for this year’s event, amplifying the impact of donations made to the School of Social Welfare during One Day One KU.

  • Dean’s Match for Student Success
  • Kelli Carroll and David Ross Match for Social Welfare
  • Social Welfare Practicum Student Support Challenge
  • Kim Adams Social Welfare Student Practicum Support Challenge
  • Elise Chapline Match for Social Welfare Student Success
  • Carol Rice Lightner Student Support Challenge

Gifts to the School of Social Welfare were part of a university-wide, 24-hour day of giving. KU raised a total of $2,610,624 from 5,031 gifts on March 6. Read more about the impact of the seventh annual One Day One KU.

Over seven years, donors have contributed more than $92,000 to the School of Social Welfare through One Day One KU.

Practicum Student Support

More than 130 gifts made during One Day One KU will support students in practicum. Practicum student support funds will help students cover costs such as gas and vehicle wear and tear; professional clothing; childcare; and professional development training.

Faith Lopez, a senior in the BSW program at the Lawrence campus, said completing a practicum at Sunflower Elementary School has been an important part of their time studying social work at KU.

“We can learn a lot of information from lectures and textbooks, but I will tell you, nothing will prepare you like going out in the field and having that first-hand experience,” Lopez said.

Practicum placements give students a chance to connect what they learn in the classroom with helping people, said Laurie Hart, senior associate director of practicum education.

“They really like making a difference in someone’s life,” Hart said. “They love those lightbulb moments where they’re able to connect something that they’re learning in school with a client that they’re working with.”

Practicum sites include small and large nonprofits, hospitals and clinics, behavioral health centers, child welfare offices, residential settings, schools and other organizations. Learn more about practicum education at the KU School of Social Welfare.

The Value of Practicum: A Student Perspective - interview with BSW student Faith Lopez

Watch an interview with KU BSW student Faith Lopez about their social work practicum experience.

Beyond the Classroom: The Importance of Practicum for Social Work Students - interviews with Practicum Education Office directors

Watch a video with Practicum Education directors about the importance of practicum and how One Day One KU funds will support students.