The Community and Racial Equity Leadership (CREL) Fellowship offers graduate students a unique opportunity to learn, lead, and make an impact through community-engaged programs and applied research projects. Focused on issues of race, color, ethnicity, and location—and how these factors shape quality of life across America—the fellowship is especially designed to support students traditionally underrepresented in social work. Fellows gain hands-on experience in macro practice settings, deepen their understanding of race and social problems through community immersion, and develop essential skills in research, collaboration, and cultural humility. Participants also engage with leaders across disciplines and connect with policymakers to explore the root causes of social challenges and identify innovative solutions—making this an ideal opportunity for students eager to create meaningful change.
Program Benefits
Hands-On Learning in the Community: Gain real-world experience through practicum placements rooted in local communities — where you’ll learn directly from those addressing today’s most pressing social challenges.
Supportive Supervision & Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance and mentorship to help you make sense of complex situations, develop your professional identity, and find innovative solutions in your fieldwork.
Reflect, Connect, and Grow: Engage in critical reflection that fosters meaningful discussion, self-discovery, self-care, and strong peer relationships — all within a collaborative learning cohort.
Bridge Theory and Practice: Deepen your understanding of how classroom learning translates into real-world impact through intentional integration of coursework and field experiences.
Skill-Building & Networking Seminars: Participate in dynamic workshops designed to sharpen your professional skills and connect you with leading practitioners and researchers in the region.
Financial Support: Receive a modest financial award to recognize your commitment and help offset educational expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
Full-time Generalist or Specialization MSW Students
DP or COSA
Fellowship Commitments
- Stay on Track Academically: Maintain good academic standing while gaining valuable hands-on experience that complements your coursework.
- Complete Meaningful Internship Hours: Build real-world skills through impactful fieldwork that aligns with your academic goals and professional interests.
- Join Monthly Skill-Building Seminars: Participate in engaging, interactive sessions designed to strengthen your expertise and prepare you for leadership in the field.
- Connect with Inspiring Mentors: Develop lasting professional relationships with mentors who will support your growth, offer career insights, and help you navigate your practicum experience.
- Engage in Supportive Cohort Supervision: Collaborate weekly with peers and supervisors in a safe space for reflection, problem-solving, and shared learning.
- Prioritize Your Well-Being: Practice regular journaling and self-care to sustain personal and professional balance throughout the fellowship.
- Expand Your Network: Attend select community and nonprofit events to meet professionals, explore innovative programs, and see social work in action.
- Be an ambassador: Share your experience and insights by occasionally participating in Fellowship Info Sessions for prospective students.
- Showcase Your Impact: Present your project-based learning and accomplishments at the end of year showcase to faculty, students, and community partners.
Fellowship Practicum Options
Partner agencies include:
- Bible Center Church/ The CHAPEL Project
- Center on Race and Social Problems
- Operation Better Block, Inc.
- Homewood Community Engagement Center
- YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
Instructions for How to Apply
Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year will be accepted from December 1, 2025, to March 7, 2026
Within the application, answer the following essay questions:
The ability to understand and collaborate with a diverse range of people is critical to social work practice in community settings. In what ways do you envision the Fellowship contributing to your professional goals and aspirations?
According to the National Association of Social Workers’ core values and ethical principles, social workers challenge social injustice. How will you apply your academic knowledge or unique insights into the CREL Fellowship to advocate for justice?
Interested students must complete and submit all required materials by March 7. In-person or virtual interviews will take place upon the application deadline.
If fellowship opportunities are unfilled, applications and interviews will continue on a rolling basis.
Contact Information
Aliya D. Durham, PhD, MSW, MPIA, aliyadurham@pitt.edu