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Pritzker Center's Summer Child Welfare Academy Gives Students an Interdisciplinary Look at Foster Care and Youth Justice

By Joanie Harmon

Three-week program for UCLA students examines related issues of education, law, health care, public health, social work, and mental health, as well as career opportunities in the field.

The UCLA Pritzker Center's Summer Child Welfare Academy is a three-week multidisciplinary program for UCLA students interested in learning more about foster care and youth justice, and the related issues of education, law, health care, public health, social work, mental health, and more. Issues concerning race, disparities and other inequities facing children of color will be emphasized. Likewise, we will emphasize career opportunities for students in the field. 

Presenters include UCLA faculty and staff from across campus, and community leaders in child welfare--examples include doctors, teachers, social workers, lawyers, psychologists, and policy makers. 

This program is not graded and there is no homework or exam. Optional reading, videos and other media will be shared. 

In response to COVID-19 and due to to social distancing requirement, the program will be conducted entirely remotely via Zoom.

Students who participated in the previous Summer Academies are welcome to join again. However, content and speakers will likely be similar, with some variations. 

Sessions will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00, as follows:

July 12

July 14

July 19 

July 21

July 26

July 28

Students who complete all 6 sessions will be provided with a certificate of completion. 

Requirements/Criteria: This free application-based program is for enrolled students from any major or degree program at UCLA. There is no GPA requirement. We seek applicants from a variety of disciplines, with past system involvement, and/or an interest in any type of career serving children/families. Incoming Fall 2022 UCLA students are welcome. A broad range of students with a varied career goals are encouraged to apply. 

To apply, please complete this form by June 10. Application decisions will be shared by June 17.  

Questions - please email our Summer Academy Team:

Taylor Dudley, Administrative Director: dudley@gseis.ucla.edu

Brittney Hun, Summer Academy Student Assistant: brittneyhun@g.ucla.edu