Funds will be used for scholarships towards Behavioral Health Paraprofessional Program
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (November 13, 2014)—Kirkwood Community College has received a federal grant for over $140,000 from the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA). The funding will be used for the Community Partnerships for Behavioral Health Education (CPBHE) program.
For the first year of the award, funding is available for up to 60 students to receive a scholarship award of $2000 for Behavioral Health Paraprofessional Diploma coursework. Applications for the scholarship are currently being accepted. Students will begin receiving the scholarship funding for Kirkwood’s Spring 2015 semester, which begins January 2015.
“We are extremely pleased that we were able to secure this grant,” said Assistant Professor of Human Services Emily Logan. “We received the money so that we could enhance the behavioral health workforce in our region. This opportunity will open even more doors for Kirkwood students to succeed. The scholarship could be given to someone who wants to work specifically in the behavioral health field or they could be a Liberal Arts student looking to diversify their education.”
The Behavioral Health Paraprofessional Diploma focuses on community mental health and substance abuse issues. The students in the program will engage with community providers, organizations, and institutions to provide support and resources to individuals who are dealing with these issues.
Kirkwood Community College is inviting the general public, as well as people who work in the behavioral health field, to attend an open house on November 18, 2014, from 4-6 p.m., on Kirkwood’s main campus in Iowa Hall, rooms A through C. Refreshments and information about the program will be provided. All of those interested in attending should RSVP to Emily Logan at [email protected] or Jody Weigel at [email protected].
*****EVENT*****
What: Behavioral Health Open House
When: Tuesday, November 18, from 4-6 p.m.
Where: Iowa Hall, rooms A-C, on Kirkwood’s main campus