Dear ALSWE readers,
We are thrilled to share our fall 2026 issue with the social work community. Our “General Scholarship” articles address a range of issues pertinent to excellence in field education, while “Notes & Reports” features an innovative approach to using simulation to teach students about safety in social work practice.
In light of recent challenges facing the social work profession, including devastating cuts to the student loan safety net from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and the transition of millions of borrowers from the SAVE plan to more costly repayment options, this issue’s podcast focuses on an initiative aimed at increasing financial support for social work students completing required internships. The podcast features an insightful interview conducted by Dr. Amy Skeen with Carthage College’s Director of Field Education Debbie Minsky Kelly and Career Services Director Carolyn Serdar. They discuss creative strategies used by a small Wisconsin college to successfully fund stipends for social work interns. We hope this piece inspires you to explore partnerships within your own institutions and communities to support students.
As always, we value our readers and welcome your feedback and questions.
And don’t forget to VOTE!
Sincerely,
Suzanne Sankar
Executive Editor