Richland County Council embarks on NEW Scholastic Collaborative

Councilman Jim Manning joins Winthrop University in creating new apprenticeship program

COLUMBIA, SC – Richland County Councilman Jim Manning is partnering with Winthrop University’s Department of Social Work Masters Program to announce the county’s first-ever apprenticeship program that blends together county government and social work. The Government Affecting Progress (GAP) apprenticeship program is a two year collaborative that will allow a master’s student to cross train between Mr. Manning’s licensed profession as a social worker and his role as a Councilman for Richland County. Additionally, the selected master’s student will also conduct community research and study population trends during the apprenticeship.

Richland County’s GAP Apprenticeship Program represents an innovative approach to interdisciplinary studies and allows students an opportunity to develop scholastic and practical knowledge. “In today’s world apprenticeship is essential to workforce development, and this collaborative effort between Richland County and Winthrop University is unprecedented; it will prove invaluable to both the professional intern and the constituents,” said Councilman Manning. “GAP will give the student the opportunity to embark on the rewarding and priceless opportunity to be a part of the change in the community they will ultimately serve. “

The first student selected for the county’s new GAP Apprenticeship Program is Shelley L. Price, Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW). Price earned a Bachelor of Social Work and Certificate in Gerontology from Winthrop University and has professional work experience in Hospice Care and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS. Price will complete a twelve hour per week internship under the supervision of Councilman Manning, who received his Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work from West Virginia University and earned a Masters in Public Administration from the University of South Carolina.

The Program’s innovative curriculum in Empowerment Practice made way for this groundbreaking partnership which will combine both traditional social work practice experience and public service experience in the political arena. Dr. Deana F. Morrow, Department Chair at Winthrop states, “We are grateful to Councilman Manning for his creative work in developing this unique internship opportunity. Shelley will gain not only traditional social work practice skills, but also priceless skills in political processes and community organizing.” Jennifer McDaniel, Winthrop Field Director states. “I am thrilled to have this new partnership for MSW students! It truly illustrates how diverse the field of social work is, and how versatile an MSW degree can be.”

Winthrop University’s Master of Social Work Program is an advanced standing weekend program. It is a thirty-nine hour credit program available to applicants who have a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited college or university. This is a program designed for working professionals who have previously earned a CSWE accredited bachelor’s degree in social work and desire a weekend course schedule. The program can be completed within two calendar years and classes meet one weekend each month.

Price says “This unique partnership will provide an invaluable opportunity to expand my social work skill set by advocating for communities and empowering constituents.”

For more information please contact the Office of Richland County Council at (803) 576-2060 or Winthrop University Department of Social Work at (803) 323-2168.