Applications for the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska’s BHECN Scholars program – formerly known as the Behavioral Health Opportunities Program (BHOP) – is open.
The application cycle will close June 19. Successful applicants will be notified about their awards in July, with a kick-off event to be held in August.
BHECN Scholars is a pathway program that supports undergraduate seniors who plan to pursue their master’s degree in a Nebraska-based behavioral health program following graduation. Scholars will receive tuition support, mentorship and professional development and participate in social and learning opportunities built around a cohort model.
The program’s purpose is to recruit regionally and culturally diverse students into the behavioral health workforce and ensure their success as practicing, licensed professionals in Nebraska. The program is expanding to other higher-education institutions after a successful pilot year at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
“We’re excited to expand this program statewide after it proved to be successful at UNK,” said Kati Cordts, PhD, associate director of education and training at BHECN. “We feel this program will be a powerful tool in helping grow Nebraska’s behavioral health workforce.”
Scholars selected for the program will receive a one-time $5,000 payment in fall 2024. Funding will be distributed to the scholar and can be used to support tuition and other educational expenses.
In addition to financial support, scholars will have unique access to specialized programming designed to enhance their professional development, including assistance with graduate school applications (including a letter of recommendation), engagement in BHECN-sponsored activities and sponsorship for regional educational conferences.
Learn more about the BHECN Scholars program – including how to apply – here.