A Grow-Your-Own Approach in Social Work: Shaping Alaska's Workforce

Abstract

The need for a stable, well-trained behavioral health workforce is substantial, especially in rural parts of the United States. As a state with a large land mass and small population, Alaska epitomizes this struggle. This article examines the impact of a rural and indigenous BASW program focused on “growing our own” social workers throughout rural Alaska. Data from graduates demonstrates more than half of the homegrown graduates were still working in Alaska in 2016, most in jobs that could be identified as social work related. Additionally, 33% of graduates were AI/AN, compared to 19.5% in the general population. The study also found that having students first complete a culturally grounded certificate program both increased the likelihood that graduates remained working in Alaska and substantially increased the percentage of AI/AN BASW graduates. These findings suggest a Grow Your Own program may be an effective strategy for addressing rural behavioral health workforce challenges.