BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that they have launched a two-year $25 million scholarship program for graduate students completing degrees or certificates in behavioral health fields.

 

Applications are now open for the first round of scholarship funds, totaling $12 million for the 2024-2025 academic year. Awards will be retroactive to the fall 2024 semester. Advanced degrees are required for many careers in behavioral health, particularly for licensed and certified roles providing clinical care. This program aims to reduce the financial barrier for students, growing a diverse behavioral health workforce in Massachusetts.? 

 

"In order to take care of our residents in Massachusetts who are facing mental health, substance use, or other behavioral health challenges, we need highly trained professionals," said Governor Maura Healey. "By supporting graduate students who are building specialized knowledge in behavioral health, we're building a workforce that can support members of our communities who need care."  

 

Eligible study areas include, but are not limited to, graduate degrees and certificates in social work, mental health counseling, substance use counseling, and mental health nursing programs. Under this scholarship program, students may be awarded up to $12,500 for tuition, fees, and stipends for each academic year in which they are enrolled, with a maximum of $25,000 per student across two academic years. Scholarship recipients must commit to working in Massachusetts for up to two years. Students are encouraged to learn more and apply here.  

 

"These scholarships help to reduce financial barriers on the way to an advanced degree, supporting students who are preparing to bring specialized skills and knowledge to our communities," said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. "A strong behavioral health workforce requires providers from various backgrounds, and that is only possible if we lift financial barriers for those looking to enter this profession." 

 

The $25 million scholarship program builds on the  $12.4 million the administration awarded in December 2024 to 37 colleges and universities to financially support behavioral health students completing unpaid internships and field placements. These grants were for undergraduate and graduate-level students pursuing careers treating mental health or substance use disorders. Both initiatives are aimed at building a strong behavioral health workforce in Massachusetts.  

 

The scholarships are funded by Massachusetts' Behavioral Health Trust Fund, which was established with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and is managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Behavioral Health Trust Fund was a recommendation of the Behavioral Health Advisory Commission, which was comprised of 22 members from government and the behavioral health sector. Funds are used for addressing barriers to the delivery of an equitable, culturally competent, affordable, and clinically appropriate continuum of behavioral health care and services.