Summit County Behavioral Health Education Fund Grant

The Summit County Behavioral Health Education Fund aims to enhance mental health services in Summit County by supporting aspiring mental health professionals. This fund provides educational awards to promote career growth and retention of licensed providers, targeting gaps in community mental health services. Applicants must reside or work in Summit County and demonstrate a commitment to serving the community for two years post-education. The fund prioritizes bilingual and bicultural candidates, ensuring diverse representation in mental health care.

NOTE:
The application is an online application and is open year-round. Applications will be reviewed each quarter and awards will be granted roughly each August, December, March, and June. It is the responsibility of the applicant to apply timely to ensure that approval is determined prior to the start of training or certification program or to the start of the school semester.Applicants will need to secure a nomination or recommendation to be considered for the program.
Building Hope Summit County Mission
Building Hope Summit County is a community-wide initiative designed to create a more coordinated, effective and responsive mental health system that promotes emotional health, reduces stigma and improves access to care and support for everyone in Summit County.
Summit County Behavioral Health Education Fund Goal
The Summit County Behavioral Health Education Fund promotes behavioral health equity and staff development and retention by supporting career growth for those interested in becoming a licensed behavioral health provider and/or help the community to retain existing behavioral health professionals. Through educational awards we have the potential to reduce a major gap in the behavioral health service spectrum – by increasing the number of licensed therapists and case workers in Summit County, therefore also filling gaps in available resources within the community.
Awardee is responsible for satisfying all tax and other government imposed responsibilities including but not limited to, payment of state, federal and social security taxes. No federal, state or local taxes of any kind shall be withheld or paid by Building Hope.

Eligibility

Qualifications: This opportunity will be open to aspiring mental health professionals who live or work in Summit County and who currently work at a non-profit or mental health organization (i.e., admin staff, peers, therapists), with priority given to fill gaps in community mental health services (i.e. bilingual/bicultural providers, providers seeking training in needed specialties). Eligibility qualifications include:A Resident of Summit County.Current employment/internship at a non-profit or mental health organization.Commitment to remain working as a mental health professional within Summit County for 2 years post-educational pathway completion.Complete 2 progress check-ins with mentor per year.Complete 1 written report per year.Serve as a mentor for 1 year to a future applicant.