SHSA Program

The Social and Human Service Assistant (SHSA) Program is designed to help interested students jumpstart their education toward a profession promoting social justice and advocation.

Through a partnership between DCCC and Delaware County Council, students can attend the College at no cost and earn up to 18 credits and a certificate toward an associate degree in social work. Classes begin in August for the fall semester.

Students who are eligible to participate will have the opportunity to discuss our Social Work degree program, meet with the Transfer Office to discuss transfer options, as well as have access to other student support resources at the College.

High School Dual Enrollment Pathway Program

Are you a rising high school senior interested in a social work or human services career? If so, we have an amazing opportunity for Delaware County rising high school seniors to jumpstart their degree through a free program beginning Fall 2026! Developed through a partnership between DCCC and Delaware County Council, eligible rising seniors can enroll in our Social and Human Service Assistant program (view a sample of the program sequence below). Eligible high school seniors can earn up to 18 credits and a certificate towards a degree in social work at no cost.

Virtual Information Sessions:

Monday, April 13, 2026, 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Important Dates:

Thursday, April 23, 2026 – Application and Course Placement/Testing Deadline

When applying:

Select “Yes” to the question “Are you applying to a Structured Pathway program with Delaware County Community College and your high school”. Course offerings for the high school dual enrollment structured pathway program may be during the day, please consult your high school regarding day participation.
Select “Social Work” as the anticipated program of study.
Select “Pathway Social Human Services” as your Dual Enrollment Structured Pathway Program.

After completing your high school dual enrollment application, you must send our Admissions Office an email (admiss@dccc.edu) to confirm that you applied for the Social and Human Service Assistant program to be considered. Seats will be awarded on a first qualified, first admitted basis.

New & Returning Students (Non-Dual Enrollment)

Are you interested in social work or a human services career? If so, we have an amazing opportunity for new and returning students enrolling in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027! Developed through a partnership between Delaware County Community College and Delaware County Council, students enrolled in our Social and Human Service Assistant certificate program may be eligible for funding for the 2026-2027 academic year (view a sample of the program sequence below). Eligible students can earn up to 18 credits and a certificate toward a degree in social work at no cost.

Please note: Classes are typically offered in various formats (such as live online or self-paced), but options may vary by semester, and some may require in-person attendance at one of our locations.

Information Sessions:

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Important Dates:

Thursday, May 28, 2026 – Priority Application and Course Placement/Testing Deadline

When applying:

Select “Social and Human Service Assistant, CERTIFICATE”, as your anticipated program of study.
Please read the program description as this is a certificate program

After completing your admissions application, you must send our Admissions Office an email (admiss@dccc.edu) to confirm that you applied for the Social and Human Service Assistant Certificate program to be considered. Seats will be awarded on a first qualified, first admitted basis.

*A student may be eligible for a waiver or exemption of the placement test by submitting specific scores or school transcripts. Please visit dccc.edu/placement for more information regarding “Placement Test Waivers and Exemptions” (located at the bottom of the listed webpage). We request that scores or school transcripts be uploaded on the student’s application (during time of applying).

Need help with enrollment? If you are a high school student looking to participate in high school dual enrollment, visit our Dual Enrollment Steps page for guidance. If you are a new or returning student, please visit our Admissions page for guidance.

A sample sequence of courses includes:

Fall Term
Course	Credits Earned	Term Total
SWO 101 “Introduction to Social Work”	3
ENG 100 “English Composition I”	3
PSY 140 “General Psychology”	3
		9
Spring Term
CS100 “Introduction to Information Technology”	3
COMM 111 “Public Speaking”	3
SWO 210 “Human Behavior and the Social Environment”	3
		18

For additional information or questions, call 610-359-5050 or email admiss@dccc.edu. Students interested in the program should also consult with their high schools.