CalOptima Offers Stipend at Cal State Fullerton to Entice Next Generation of Social Workers

Officials from CalOptima, which offers public health insurance in Orange County, present a $5 million check to California State University–Fullerton to support students pursuing a master’s degree in the school’s social worker program at a press conference in Fullerton, Calif., on May 15, 2023. Courtesy of CalOptima

CalOptima, which offers public health insurance in Orange County, will invest $5 million in stipends over the next five years for California State University–Fullerton students pursuing a master’s degree in the school’s social worker program, according to a May 16 press release issued by the agency.

Qualifying students, starting next fall, will receive $20,000 a year in exchange for committing to two years of full-time work in public health settings or CalOptima contracted agencies post-graduation.