Field fair prepares Ohio University Chillicothe social work students for practical experiences

Ohio University Chillicothe social work majors recently participated in a social work field fair to connect with community and governmental agencies and learn more about the different areas of social work practice available in the community.  

Assistant Professor of Instruction Nikki Newman organized the fair to bring together community agencies with OHIO Chillicothe social work students who are required to complete service-learning hours and field placements as part of the social work program.

“Our community partners are essential to providing students with the practical experience they need to become effective social workers upon graduation,” Newman said. “Social workers are needed in all kinds of agencies and practice areas and this exposure to multiple agencies will help them to recognize the opportunities available to them right here in Ross County.”

Social work major Justin Starkey described the field fair as an encouraging capstone moment in his career journey. 

“I saw that the community was there to receive all of us who are trying to make a change in the world,” Starkey said. “I am so glad Ohio University provided this opportunity. I have since applied to three internship positions, and I am already scheduling interviews.” 

Associate Professor Stacey Saunders-Adams said OHIO Chillicothe’s annual social work field fair serves students seeking practical experiences and jobs as well as community partners eager to connect with students who may want to work with their agencies.

“We see the need for more highly skilled and passionate social workers in the community and we want to ensure they get the best practicum experiences possible,” Saunders-Adams said. “This is one of the ways Ohio University Chillicothe creates mutually beneficial relationships with our community partners.”

Asti Powell, executive director of the Paper City Mentoring Project (PCMP) and an MPA graduate of Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, attended the field fair to connect with students interested in supporting teens across Ross County. She leads efforts to build meaningful mentoring relationships and expand opportunities for high school students.

“We seek an intern to support program planning, evaluation, event coordination, mentor training and direct engagement with youth through our school-based program at Pioneer School and teens waiting to be matched,” Powell said. “Our goal is to meet teens where they are and walk alongside them as they grow and an OHIO Chillicothe intern will play a vital role in both big-picture efforts and one-on-one connections.”

The social work field fair allowed junior Isabel Minton to network with agencies that may help shape her social work career.

“It allowed me to get some ideas on what my next steps could look like,” Minton said.