Center of Excellence for Recovery

Marshall University School-Based Mental Health Scholars Program

Program Overview

Marshall University’s Center of Excellence for Recovery in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) has received a five year grant from the US Department of Education. The grant’s purpose is to increase school-based mental health professionals (School Counselors, School Psychologists, and School Social Workers) in designated high need local education agencies (LEA) throughout West Virginia.

The high need LEA’s are based on a definition from the US Deptartment of Education and are related to school-based mental health provider shortages. Thirty-three WV LEAs (in green) are available to participate for this opportunity.  We have received letters of agreement from 26 LEAs to date. The grant can provide tuition for students who are currently in one of the following departments (School of Psychology, School of Counseling, School of Social Work) and who are planning to complete their practicum in one of the participating LEAs.

The grant has funding for paid internships/field placements for students who are planning to complete it in one of the participating LEAs. We also have funding that can be used for either salary or a sign on bonus for graduates to take positions in the participating LEAs.  The grant also has funding for supervision and some other areas.  All students who receive funding will also be asked to sign a service agreement to work post-graduation in a West Virginia School.

Program Benefits (per fiscal grant year, Jan. 1 – Dec. 31)

  • Tuition Benefits: up to $10,000 for 20 students
  • Paid Internships: up to $32,000 for 20 students
  • Funding for Sign-on Bonuses/Salary: up to $10,000 for 20 students
  • Additional Stipend funding for Students Traveling to Rural sites: up to $5,000 for 20 students
  • Supervision funding for supervisors: up to $2,000 for 20 supervisors
Eligibility Criteria
  • Must be eligible for federal financial aid.
  • Must be enrolled in one the following graduate programs: school psychology, school counseling, or school social work. Clinical psychology and mental health counseling students are eligible to apply as well.
  • If receiving funding for practicum/internship, it must be completed in a high need West Virginia School.
  • All students who receive funding will also be asked to sign a service agreement to work post-graduation in a West Virginia School.

Note: Our team is working to secure agreements with the remaining LEAs on the list.

Applications for Each Department

School Psychology Application
School Counseling Application
School Social Work Application

We encourage you to explore free training opportunities provided by the West Virginia Behavioral Health Workforce and Health Equity Training Center.

For assistance with finding job placements after your internship is completed, click here to view job opportunities posted by the West Virginia Department of Education.

For questions regarding the MU School-Based Mental Health Scholars Program Contact Lucia Meyers.

Lucia Meyer, MA
MU School-Based Mental Health Scholars Program Project Director