American Addiction Centers announces the 2016 Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program, offering $10,000 in scholarship funds to students entering or already enrolled in post-secondary programs focused on treating mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.
Originally launched in January 2015, the American Addiction Centers Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program was created to encourage college and graduate students pursuing careers in behavioral health, addiction treatment, and related fields. The program supports the development of future professionals who will serve individuals and communities affected by mental illness and substance use disorders.
Helping those who help others
“We are committed to helping those who help others,” said Michael Cartwright, AAC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “It is our hope more students will choose to pursue a career in behavioral health or addiction-related studies and help the millions of Americans facing mental health and/or substance abuse issues.”
There is a significant and growing need for trained professionals in mental health and substance abuse treatment. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately one in four adults experiences a mental illness, and nearly 20% of youth ages 13 to 18 experience severe mental disorders in any given year. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that 20 million Americans aged 12 or older used an illegal drug in the past 30 days. Additionally, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence reports that about one in 12 adults struggles with alcohol abuse or dependency. These statistics underscore the demand for qualified counselors, therapists, social workers, nurses, and other behavioral health professionals.
Three scholarships will be awarded!
The 2016 scholarship program will award three recipients from the applicant pool. The first-place winner will receive $5,000 in financial assistance, while the second and third place winners will each receive $2,500. Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2016. Scholarship awards will be announced on or about June 30, 2016, and winners are expected to receive their scholarship funds on or about August 26, 2016.
Eligible applicants include students who are high school graduates as of Summer 2016, as well as current full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate students who are enrolled or will enroll in programs focused on behavioral health, nursing, counseling, psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or other fields dedicated to treating mental health and substance abuse issues. Applicants are required to complete a brief application form and submit an essay of 800–1,000 words addressing the following prompt: “Within your chosen area of the behavioral sciences, discuss the direction the field is heading in by looking at both encouraging and problematic trends.”
Essays should thoughtfully consider both positive developments—such as advances in evidence-based treatment, integrated care models, or increased awareness—and the challenges the field faces, including gaps in access, funding constraints, workforce shortages, or stigma that affects treatment engagement. Applicants should write in clear, professional language and support their observations with well-reasoned analysis.
For more information about eligibility requirements or the application process for the American Addiction Centers Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program, including instructions on how to apply online, please visit the American Addiction Centers website and search for the Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship page. The scholarship is intended to invest in the next generation of behavioral health professionals and to expand the workforce needed to address mental health and substance use disorders nationwide.
American Addiction Centers remains dedicated to supporting education and training in behavioral health and addiction treatment. By providing financial assistance through this scholarship program, AAC aims to encourage talented students to pursue careers that will help improve outcomes for individuals and families affected by addiction and mental illness.