LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is celebrating a milestone for its Substance Use Counseling Undergraduate Training Program, with the first students completing the program in Fall 2025 and a new cohort now enrolled for the upcoming academic cycle.
Developed within the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) curriculum, the program equips students with specialized training in addiction counseling, preparing them to address one of Kentucky’s most pressing public health challenges.
The training program provides targeted coursework and professional preparation focused on substance use disorders, treatment models, client engagement and community resource coordination. Upon completion, students become eligible to pursue Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Associate I (CADCA I) recognition — an important milestone for those seeking careers in behavioral health and addiction counseling in Kentucky.
For BASW Program Director Dr. Shelita Jackson, the program reflects a broader effort to connect classroom learning with real workforce needs across the Commonwealth.
“Substance use recovery work requires compassion, preparation and a deep understanding of community systems,” Jackson said. “Our goal with this training program is to give students the knowledge, confidence and practical tools they need to step into these roles and make a meaningful difference.”
Supporting Kentucky’s behavioral health workforce
The program was developed in response to ongoing shortages in behavioral health professionals across Kentucky. By providing undergraduate students with early exposure to addiction counseling training, the program creates a pathway for graduates to begin supporting recovery services while continuing their professional development.
15 students in Fall 2025 earned their certification, with 15 enrolled for the Spring 2026 cohort.
For many participants, the training program serves as a bridge between academic preparation and real-world practice.
Ta’Niya Rucker, a 2025 BASW graduate, completed the program as part of the inaugural cohort before graduating. She described the experience as a key step in preparing for her future in substance use recovery work.
“The training program helped me focus on preparing for the CADCA I exam and gave me more confidence moving in the direction I want to go,” Rucker said in a previous interview.
Alongside Rucker, BASW student Jadyn Gevedon also completed the program in Fall 2025 and earned her CADCA I certification.
“The program has provided me with skills in understanding substance use and engaging with others that will support my future career in child welfare services,” Gevedon said. “I will carry this knowledge with me throughout every path I pursue.”
For Jackson, the program’s growth reflects both student interest and the urgency of preparing more professionals to serve communities affected by substance use disorders.
“This work is deeply personal for many of our students and communities,” Jackson said. “When students can begin building these skills during their undergraduate experience, they enter the workforce more prepared to support recovery and strengthen the systems that serve people across Kentucky.”