Maulden named Louisiana Social Work Student of the Year

Contact: Rene Abadie

3/8/12

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     HAMMOND A Southeastern Louisiana University senior from Prairieville has been named the Student of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Louisiana Chapter.
     Chelsea Maulden, a social work major who will graduate in May, will be officially recognized at the NASW-Louisiana annual conference later this month in Baton Rouge. She was selected on the basis of representing the best of the profession’s values and achievements.
     “Chelsea has made significant contributions to our region through her volunteer work and continues to be an inspiration to us all,” said Heidi Kulkin, coordinator of Southeastern’s Social Work Program. “She is professional, insightful, empathetic and has a solid ethical stance rooted in the profession’s Code of Ethics.”
     Maulden is currently completing an internship in the YEA program. Short for “Youth Entering Adulthood,” the independent living skills program targeted for youth between the ages of 14 and 21 is designed to teach youth skills they need to live a successful, independent life.
     “I have a lot of interest in this area,” Maulden said. “There are not a lot of services in the system for young people who are aging out of the foster care system. “It’s somewhat a forgotten group, and I would like to see that changed.”
     Maulden, who is currently applying to graduate schools to continue her social work studies, has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Child Advocacy Services and is the undergraduate student representative on the board of NASW-Louisiana. She is a member of the Phi Alpha Social Work honor society.
     Southeastern’s bachelor of science social work program focuses on preparing entry level practitioners to work with diverse populations in rural and small communities. In addition to course work, students must also complete a field internship at a social service agency.

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