Emerging from the bustling energy of Washington Square Park, you’ll find the NYU Silver School of Social Work. It stands as a quiet testament to the power of human connection and the pursuit of social justice. The NYU Silver School of Social Work isn’t just a building. It’s a hub of activity, a place where future social workers hone their skills and prepare to make a real difference in the world.
NYU’s journey into social work began in 1934 with the introduction of its first social work courses. Years later, a generous contribution from the Lavanburg Corner House paved the way for the Department of Social Work in 1953, marking a significant step toward the school’s eventual establishment. The official birth of the NYU Graduate School of Social Work happened in 1960, laying the foundation for decades of impactful work. Over time, the NYU Silver School of Social Work expanded its reach. It added an undergraduate program in 1973, broadening access to social work education. It introduced doctoral programs, first the Doctor of Social Welfare in 1980, then the PhD in 1987, furthering opportunities for advanced scholarship and research.
The school found its home within the historic walls of 1-3 Washington Square North in the early 1990s. Interestingly, this building once housed the studio of renowned American artist Edward Hopper, who lived and worked there from 1913 to 1967. The NYU Silver School of Social Work has thoughtfully preserved his studio, offering a glimpse into the artistic past of this now academically significant space. In a major turning point for the NYU Silver School of Social Work, Constance and Martin Silver, NYU alumni, made an extraordinary $50 million donation in 2007. This transformative gift not only led to the renaming of the school in their honor, but it also established the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research. Their continued support is evident in a subsequent $16 million donation in 2021. This gift aims to integrate data science and artificial intelligence into social work practice, further solidifying NYU Silver’s commitment to innovation.
The NYU Silver School of Social Work has continued to evolve and expand its global presence. In 2015, it launched a joint MSW program with NYU Shanghai, bridging continents and cultures in the pursuit of social work excellence. The NYU Silver School of Social Work isn’t just an educational institution. It’s a catalyst for change. It houses several impactful research centers, including the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, the Center on Violence and Recovery, and the Center for Health and Aging Innovation. These centers tackle complex social issues head-on, contributing valuable research and insights. NYU Silver understands that social work isn’t confined to a single location. The school extends its educational opportunities to satellite campuses in Rockland and Westchester counties, as well as its innovative program with NYU Shanghai.
So, as you stand before the NYU Silver School of Social Work, consider the countless lives touched by the education and research conducted within its walls. It’s a place where compassion meets action, where theory transforms into practice, and where the future of social work is being shaped every single day.