Marshall University Behavioral Health Workforce & Development Program

Funded by the West Virginia First Foundation, this scholarship initiative supports the next generation of behavioral health professionals serving communities throughout Region 5 of West Virginia (Boone, Cabell, Clay, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, Putnam, and Wayne). Building on the success of the School-Based Mental Health Scholars Program, it expands beyond K–12 settings to now include Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment centers and community behavioral health agencies.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Available for graduate students pursuing degrees or certifications in:

• Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling
• Violence, Loss, & Trauma Counseling
• Social Work / School Social Work
• Clinical Psychology
• School Psychology

ELIGIBILITY & PLACEMENT

• Priority for students completing a practicum, internship, or field placement during the grant period
• Placements may be in:
  • School mental health settings
  • SUD treatment centers
  • Community behavioral health agencies
• Students will indicate preferred counties/agencies or list an existing placement within Region 5

PROGRAM BENEFITS

The program provides a total of $133,000 in funding to support 20 selected students. This funding will be shared among all participants and allocated based on individual need. Therefore, funding amounts will vary. Funding categories include:

• Tuition
• Textbooks
• Mileage & lodging
• Conference fees
• Technology & software

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To participate in this program, participants must:

• Be enrolled in an eligible graduate program
• Obtain a placement in a Region 5 county
• Attend 6 trainings (virtual or in-person)
• Meet with the Project Director twice per semester
• Complete required evaluation forms
• Participate within the grant period (ends Dec. 31, 2026)