Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship

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Graduate application form

Due to the lack of healthcare professionals, HB 1946 was designed to assist and encourage healthcare professionals to pursue and complete their graduate degree in the field. Upon degree completion, recipients are required to provide healthcare services for a minimum of three years. The program may provide up to $51,000 for graduate students in an eligible two- or three-year program; or up to $25,500 for those in one-year advanced programs. The award will be distributed over a maximum of three years for program completion. Award amounts vary depending on financial need.

Eligible types of programs

Eligible types of programs:

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Social Work
Marriage and Family Therapy

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Complete the program application.
If awarded, must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP)
Must be accepted into and maintain enrollment at an eligible institution leading to a degree in an approved behavioral health program.
Intend to pursue employment at an eligible site preference for those who pursue employment in a high need site (hyperlink)
File the current academic year FAFSA or WASFA
Accepts service obligation requirement in exchange for funding.

Eligible Institutions

Eligible Institutions:

Antioch University
Eastern Washington University
Gonzaga University
Heritage University
Seattle University
Western Washington University
City University
Central Washington University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Washington – Seattle
University of Washington – Tacoma
Walla Walla University
Whitworth University

Program Guidelines:

The Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship is designed for first-year graduate students in Master of Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, and Marriage and Family Therapy programs. First year graduate students in the eligible program types will commit to working at an eligible behavioral health site in exchange for receiving the scholarship. Preference will be given to applicants that express interest in fulfilling their service obligation in an underserved community or tribal health center. Obligation may be extended if working part time.

Applicants must sign a conditional grant award agreement as acceptance in the Washington Student Achievement Council Behavioral Health Scholarship Program.

Conditional grants students must remain in good academic standing with their program.

Conditional grant may fund a maximum of $51,000 for two- and three-year programs and $25,500 for one-year advanced programs. Award amounts are based upon unmet need and paid in installments each academic period (quarter or semester). Awardees are advised to consult their tax advisor regarding any tax implications and consult with their university's financial aid office.

Application Process

Application Process:

The review of applications will be monitored as they are received during the application cycle which begins March 1, 2025, and closes March 31, 2025, at 5 pm PDT. Enrollment will be certified before award distribution.

Service Obligation

Service Obligation:

To avoid repaying the conditional scholarship, participants must fulfill these service obligation requirements:
The commitment will be no less than three years and no more than five years. Obligation is dependent on status as a full- or part-time employee.
Provide services as a LMHC, MSW, or LMFT at an eligible site after earning their degree/license.
Participants who do not fulfill their service obligation will have to repay the award, with interest and other fees.

Awarding Priorities

Awarding Priorities:

Applicants who are veterans, serving in the Armed Forces, or Washington National Guard members who meet the minimum qualifications.
Applicants who indicate interest in serving in an underserved community or Tribal center.