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Chicago Public Schools is our Agency of the Year
Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work partners with more than 1,200 organizations across the country to provide students interns with hands-on learning experience. Each year, we like to single out one organization that has gone above and beyond to create a productive learning environment for interns as well as assisting with other challenges interns may face.
"The event is facilitated to demonstrate the invaluable contributions that our Internship Supervisors & Liaisons provide to our students," said Associate Dean for Student Affairs Amy Greenberg. "They are the on the ground, day to day eyes and ears to ensure that our students, their interns, are integrating what they learn in the classroom setting everyday in their practice with the population that they serve."
This year, the School of Social Work is recognizing Chicago Public Schools as its 2024 Agency of the Year. With more than 10 Loyola social work students in CPS internships this year, the district has been an active partner in ensuring our students get helpful work experience. The internship program also creates a pathway for a career with CPS after the beneficial internship training with school social work supervisors. CPS also is an active participant in the Community Immersion Program, attends our annual Networking & Career Fair, and partners with the school on various grants.
"I want to thank the Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work for honoring CPS as its Agency of the Year," said Pedro Martinez, CEO of Chicago Public Schools. "Our more than 600 social workers provide students in every corner of Chicago with the guidance, support, and resources they need to reach their full potential. They help ensure students' mental and emotional health are prioritized alongside academic growth, and I am thrilled to see them recognized for their critically-important work."
In addition to the valuable experience provided, CPS also provides stipends to support Masters-level social work interns in an attempt to offset some of the barriers that come with being a student with classes, work, and other obligations.
The School of Social Work also recognized two individuals with awards for their work with interns. Interim Dean Jim Marley dedicated the Internship Supervisor of the Year award to Felix Biestek, SJ. Biestek was a Jesuit priest who graduated from the School of Social Work in 1938. Biestek's significant contributions to social work made him very influential during a time of great expansion in the field. Biestek died in 1994 after more than 30 years of teaching at Loyola.
That award was then presented to Jude Gonzales of Chicago Waldorf School. Gonzales has supervised 13 students over the past few years and is an active site leader with Loyola's CIP program.
Jennifer Clark of Chicago Public Schools was recognized as the Liaison of the Year. Liaisons serve more of a mentorship role for social work interns and are vital for the development of future social workers. Clark was unfortunately unable to attend the luncheon.
