School Social Worker Tuition Reimbursement Grant

In response to the ongoing and substantial need for fully credentialed School Social Workers to provide services to students with disabilities, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is offering a School Social Worker Tuition Reimbursement Grant opportunity.

The School Social Worker Tuition Reimbursement Grant funds are intended to encourage Master's-level social workers to pursue their School Social Worker credential.

All districts, including intermediate school districts, are eligible to apply.

Districts must follow the School Social Worker Permit process for employing a Master's-level social worker who will work under the supervision of a fully credentialed school social worker while completing the required coursework to become a School Social Worker.

Tuition reimbursement is available for all social workers employed under a School Social Worker Permit effective July 1, 2024—September 30, 2027. This grant does not replace the School Social Worker Permit process; rather, it enhances it by making tuition reimbursement grant funds available.

Required documentation and criteria for application:

1. A screenshot of the permit from MOECS must be submitted as part of the grant application for Master’s-level social workers.
2. A detailed paid tuition bill as described on the application.
3. Only courses taken on or after July 1, 2024, and while the social worker is employed under a School Social Worker Permit are eligible for reimbursement.
4. Only the actual tuition amount paid is covered up to $1,000 per credit hour.
5. This grant does not cover fees, books, course materials, etc.
6. Grants or scholarships received that do not need to be repaid are deducted from the reimbursement amount after applying the grant or scholarship to costs not covered by this grant. Student loans do NOT affect the reimbursement amount.
7. Repeat courses are not eligible for tuition reimbursement.

The School Social Worker Tuition Reimbursement Grant covers actual tuition costs up to $1,000 per credit hour for the required 9 credits of school social worker coursework (per social worker) over two years in alignment with the School Social Worker Permit process.

School Social Worker Tuition Reimbursement Grant Resources

• School Social Worker Tuition Reimbursement Grant Application
• Reimbursement Grant Questions Form
  • Use this form to submit questions you may have about the reimbursement grant
• School Social Worker Permit
• Becoming a School Social Worker in Michigan
• School Social Worker Credentials
• Approved School Social Worker Programs