California Baptist University, Riverside County Launch ANCHOR Fellowship to Develop Future Human Services Leaders

Inaugural cohort of nine graduate social work students to gain hands-on leadership experience through partnership with County's Department of Public Social Services

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- California Baptist University (CBU) and the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) marked the launch of the inaugural ANCHOR Fellowship on August 26 with a blazer ceremony at CBU. Nine graduate social work students within CBU's College of Behavioral and Social Sciences make up the first cohort of the yearlong fellowship, which gives students experience working on projects within one of the region's largest public social services agencies.

ANCHOR, which stands for Advancing New Careers in Human Services and Organization Resilience, places CBU graduate students in leadership-focused assignments within Riverside County. Fellows work alongside DPSS professionals on assignments tied to department programs, operations and services, gaining firsthand knowledge of public-sector administration.

The fellowship launches amid growing demand for social services professionals in the region. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Riverside County's population reached approximately 2.54 million in 2025, a 5.2% increase since 2020. Riverside County DPSS reports serving more than 1 million residents each year. According to the 2025 California Health Interview Survey, the Inland Empire faces a severe shortage of social work professionals to support its large, economically and culturally diverse underserved populations.

"ANCHOR moves our students from studying leadership to practicing it on projects that matter to the community," said Dr. Phil Breitenbucher, director of CBU's Office of Professional and Career Development and associate professor of social work. "These fellows bring experience, advanced education and a commitment to service. ANCHOR allows them to put that experience to work while preparing for leadership roles in human services."

The inaugural cohort includes students in CBU's Master of Social Work and Doctor of Social Work programs with backgrounds in public service, social services and the military.

Unlike a traditional internship centered primarily on observation or supervised practice, ANCHOR is designed for graduate students who already bring professional and academic backgrounds to their assignments.

"Each of these future leaders has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve, while helping to shape how services are delivered for years to come," said Charity Douglas, director of Riverside County Department of Public Social Services. "We are honored to partner with CBU in equipping the next generation of leaders to create a lasting legacy of care."

Over the course of the year, fellows will complete projects for DPSS while building professional relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of careers in government human services.

About California Baptist University

Founded in 1950, California Baptist University is the Largest Christian University in California. CBU offers more than 106 bachelor's programs, 44 graduate programs and 11 doctoral programs, on campus and online. Affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention, CBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities. The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees and is known for its variety of program offerings, research and scholarship practicum, training sites and service to the community.

SOURCE California Baptist University