It’s Time to Pay Social Work Interns in Idaho

Idaho Capital Sun • By Payment for Placements BSU • March 25, 2025

“Imagine dedicating 20 hours per week to supporting families in crisis, assisting survivors of domestic violence, or helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, all without pay. Now, imagine being required to pay tuition for the academic credits tied to this unpaid work.

For both undergraduate and graduate social work students, these concepts are not imaginary, they are reality. 

Social work is built on justice, dignity and service, yet social work students face financial, physical and emotional hardship before they enter the workforce. Unpaid internships push students into debt, force them to juggle multiple jobs, and demand personal sacrifices. All to enter a profession already struggling with burnout and workforce shortages.

If we want to strengthen the social work profession and retain skilled practitioners in Idaho, we must ensure students begin their careers with dignity, stability and financial fairness.”

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