What’s the news?
Winebrenner Theological Seminary has been awarded $295,968 through the Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship (OBHS) Program to support students pursuing careers in clinical counseling while addressing Ohio’s growing need for licensed behavioral health professionals.
The funding, provided through a statewide partnership among the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, Health Impact Ohio (HIO), and the Ohio Department of Higher Education, will assist Ohio students enrolled in Winebrenner’s Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling (MACC) program. “This award directly advances our mission of preparing counselors who bring both professional excellence and compassionate care to those they serve,” said President, Dr. Brent C. Sleasman. “By reducing financial barriers for students, we are helping strengthen the behavioral health workforce and expand access to care across Ohio.”
The Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship Program was created to increase the number of licensed behavioral health workers serving communities across Ohio, particularly in areas where access to mental health and behavioral health services has traditionally been limited. Officials say the program will help prepare a new generation of counselors to meet the increasing demand for behavioral health services throughout Ohio, while ensuring more residents have access to care close to home.
What can students receive?
Under the award, eligible students may receive full-tuition and book scholarship support, allowing recipients to complete their education with little to no tuition costs! Program leaders say the initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers for students entering the behavioral health profession while strengthening Ohio’s workforce.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the scholarship, MACC students must be Ohio residents, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, enrolled at least half-time, and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Recipients must also agree to work in underserved Ohio communities after graduation, including settings such as Community Behavioral Health Centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, school-based health clinics, child advocacy centers, OhioRISE care management entities, and nonprofit behavioral health providers that primarily serve Medicaid clients. The required service commitment corresponds to the number of years a student receives scholarship funding. Participants are expected to begin eligible employment within six months of earning their graduate degree.
The award agreement was established between Health Impact Ohio, headquartered in Columbus, and Winebrenner Theological Seminary in Findlay. Through this investment, the seminary will continue its mission to equip individuals, utilizing Christian principles and evidence-based modalities, to become mental health counselors.
How do I apply?
For more information about applying to Winebrenner Theological Seminary’s MACC program, visit https://winebrenner.edu/contact-form/.
For more information about eligibility for this scholarship, contact MACC Program Director Dr. Mary Iiames at iiames@winebrenner.edu.
Applications for this scholarship will open at the end of July.
