High school students with Project Uplift visited the UNC School of Social Work in May and June to learn about social work and graduate education.
Project Uplift gives nominated high school students from around the country the opportunity to visit and learn about the university and explore various departments and schools. Individuals are nominated by their high school counselors and must meet exceptional academic and personal criteria, such as being within the top 25% of their graduating class and having demonstrated leadership skills. The students stay in residence halls, dine in the campus cafeterias, and get to experience the extracurricular aspects UNC has to offer by visiting Franklin Street and having nightly social events.
Project Uplift provides rising students with the chance to explore their academic interests, but also gives programs such as the School of Social Work the opportunity to promote the possibilities of pursuing a social work career.
The students spoke with Sharon Thomas, director of recruitment, admissions and financial aid; and current students Tobirus Newby and Davena Mgbeokwere. They clarified some of the common misconceptions regarding where social workers are employed, what kind of work they do, and the importance of direct and macro practice influence on individuals, communities and large-scale policy development.
