Applied Learning in Social Work Education: A Scholarly Journal from the Simmons University School of Social Work

Episode 5: Unpaid practicum internships: Issues and answers

Published April 2025

Episode 5: Unpaid practicum internships: Issues and answers

Host of The Conversation, Dr. Katharine Dill of Marist University, interviews Dr. Natalie Beck Aguilera of St. Edward’s University. The practice of requiring unpaid practicums in social work education runs counter to the profession’s belief in economic justice. In one study, 80% of students reported that their practicum had a negative impact on their financial situation. Stress associated with the resulting financial hardship has been found to compromise the learning experience, with a disparate impact on low-income students. Social work education programs can leverage multiple approaches to help students access the financial resources they need during their internships.