THRIVE Scholars Program Grant
Transforming - Healthcare - Racial Equity - Inclusive - Visionary Leaders - Excellence
The Department of Social Work’s THRIVE Scholars Program is funded in part thanks to a $300,000 grant received from Boston Children’s Hospital’s Collaboration for Community Health in spring 2022.
Eligibility
This program will benefit graduate social work students entering their final year of Master of Social Work (MSW) studies who are ethnically, racially, and linguistically diverse individuals, and individuals from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, or working parents/guardians.
Benefits to Future THRIVE Scholars
Direct financial assistance (20 students will receive $10,550)
- Targeted electives focused on the mental and behavioral needs of children, youth, and families
- Field practicum settings that will further enhance and support learning in the following areas:
- Children’s mental and behavioral health
- Providing evidence-based and culturally responsive practices for children, youth, and families
- Advancing the quality of children’s behavioral health care
- Addressing racial and health disparities
- Pairing with an alumni mentor
- Workshops and programming focused on evidence-based and culturally responsive practices
- Licensure preparation
- Information about loan forgiveness and financial literacy
The goal of the program is to reduce barriers and increase success in the student's postgraduate career transitions and prepare them to provide evidence-based and culturally responsive mental and behavioral health care to children, youth, and families.
Spring 2025 THRIVE Scholars Program Workshop Series
Money Conversations Made Easy: Building Financial Literacy in Social Work Practice
Presented by LaQueshia Clemons, LCSW, AFC®
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Accredited Financial Counselor
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m. ET
Join us on Zoom: 724 869 4971
Talking about money can feel uncomfortable, but it’s a critical skill for social workers aiming to empower their clients and maintain their own financial well-being. This presentation equips social workers with the tools to approach money conversations with confidence, empathy, and a judgment-free mindset.
In this presentation, LaQueshia Clemons will help participants know what financial social work is and how they can apply it to their work. She will provide ways in which participants can break down barriers to discussing finances, navigate the emotional and cultural dynamics of money, and provide practical financial literacy support to themselves and/or clients. Participants will leave with strategies for social workers to improve their own financial literacy, ensuring they are better positioned to lead by example.
Clemons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) with a passion for guiding people toward financial well-being and emotional resilience. Her master’s degree from Springfield College is just the beginning of her story. Her private practice, Freedom Life Therapy and Wellness, is a haven where individuals and couples can explore their emotional and behavioral patterns related to money. Her mission goes beyond numbers; it’s about understanding the profound influences that shape financial decisions. Clemons’ approach is both dynamic and warm, aimed at transforming lives and fostering a healthy relationship with money.
This virtual event is free and open to the Springfield College community and the public.
Questions? Please contact Jacqueline Lehoullier at jlehoullier@springfield.edu or (413) 748-3001. If you have disability and require a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in this event, contact Lehoullier to discuss your accessibility needs.
THRIVE Scholars Recognition Night
The THRIVE Scholars Recognition Night was held on May 3rd, 2023 at Judd Gymnasia in collaboration with the Phi Alpha Honor Society Ceremony. The inaugural 10 THRIVE Scholars were recognized by the THRIVE Leadership Team - Dr. Anthony Hill, Dr. Lisa Watson, Lily Ghrear, and Laura Mackie. Family and friends were invited to attend this special event!
