By: Destiny Santana and Peter Allen Lee

The School of Social Work had about 250 bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates in Spring 2022, and they are already on their way impacting our communities to advance the well-being of others.  Where are they and what are they doing?  Here are a few examples of their journeys.

Imani Savage received her A.A. in Administrative Justice at Sierra College and a B.S. in Criminology at Fresno State University, and recently received her Master’s of Social Work (MSW) at San José State University. Imani, a Title IV-E training and stipend program student (program students receive financial support in return for a two-year commitment to work in a public California child welfare agency) will be working as a Child Welfare Social Worker for Contra Costa County.   One of her goals is to start the clinical licensing process as soon as possible. Imani is one of several MSW Program graduates who had previously been a Title IV-E trainee who now works at a CA county public child welfare agency.

Emmanuel (Manny) Pimentel is a USAF veteran and First Generation graduate.  He and his cohort made history by being the first group to graduate from the new SJSU School of Social Work Advanced Standing Program.  Advanced Standing provides exceptional Bachelor of Social Work graduates the opportunity to complete a social work master’s degree through an accelerated program in one year. Manny is excited to work as a Child Welfare and Attendance Specialist with Salinas Union High School District in Salinas, CA. He will be completing his Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) soon and plans to specialize in providing social work in educational settings.

April 10, 2022 San Jose CA, USA; Mia graduation photos at San Jose State University. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Estrada Photos

Mia Jaurigue is one of our BASW graduates and a recipient of the Mental Health Training Scholarship sponsored by the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services. Mia celebrated this huge accomplishment with all of her family and friends who have encouraged and lifted her up! She started the MSW Advanced Standing program as part of the second cohort of our accelerated program.

Jennifer Tai is an MSW graduate and completed her PPSC.  She is continuing her educational and professional preparation in a Post-MSW program at UC Berkeley pursuing her clinical license and getting experience in the Social Services and Counseling and Psychological Services departments within UC Berkeley University Health Services. After licensure, Jennifer wants to support and give back to foster youth and youth with mental health challenges. As a former foster youth with no biological family support, the community support she receives from friends, peers, professors, field instructors, and mentors has been of tremendous help. The MSW program meant a lot to her, as it allows her to receive the education and experiences to give back to others.

We are so appreciative and excited for our alums, graduates, and students as they make a difference in our world.  SJSU Social Work: Stand Up! Stand Proud! Stand Together!