NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – New Hanover County is accepting applications for the sixth cohort of its Mental Health Fellows Program.
The program offers forgivable financial assistance to students who agree to serve in New Hanover County after graduation.
Graduate students at state-accredited universities or colleges studying to become psychiatric nurse practitioners can apply until June 30.
The program is funded through the $50 million Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Fund.
“Through our previous five cohorts, we’ve been able to help further the educational journey of 44 students while bringing licensed practitioners and providers into the community,” said Chief Civic Engagement Officer Linda Thompson.
Students studying to become psychiatric nurse practitioners are eligible for $4,500 per semester, with a maximum award of $36,000 during their educational career. Students in the Mental Health Provider Fellows Program are eligible for up to $3,500 per semester, with a maximum award of $14,000.
Part-time students are eligible to apply for the program and can receive $2,500 per semester for mental health providers and $3,500 for psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Selected applicants will be notified in mid-July of their acceptance into the program.
Initial funding is set for distribution in August and is renewable each semester with proof of satisfactory academic performance.
Applicants must be currently enrolled and in good standing in a North Carolina-accredited program at their educational institution.
After graduation and licensure, recipients are required to work with underserved populations in New Hanover County to qualify for tuition forgiveness.
Psychiatric nurse practitioners must work in the county for at least three years, and mental health providers must serve for at least two years.
More information on the Fellows Program is available online.
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