A partnership between The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Social Work program and Region 10 strengthens the public child welfare workforce through graduate education, professional training, and workforce development. Supported by Title IV-E funding, the initiative provides stipends for five Master of Social Work (MSW) students while integrating specialized child welfare training into the curriculum. The collaboration also addresses emerging workforce needs through targeted training for Child Protective Services (CPS) personnel, including crisis de-escalation and advanced casework skills. By connecting academic preparation with the practical demands of foster care, adoption, and child protection services, the partnership aims to strengthen workforce competencies, support employee retention, and improve the quality of child welfare practice.