New Scholarship Supports Behavioral Health Programs
To support workforce development in human services and behavioral health fields, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester has partnered with Network4Health to introduce the Network4Health Behavioral Health Scholarship. The scholarship will support students enrolled in UNH Manchester’s psychology and neuropsychology programs, with awards up to $5,000 annually for full-time students.
“We are proud to partner with Network4Health to offer this scholarship to our students,” says Alison Paglia, associate professor of psychology and chair of the Department of Life Sciences at UNH Manchester. “We hope this will bring awareness to careers in human services and behavioral health fields as well as address the critical shortage areas in the behavioral health workforce.”
With demand for mental health services on the rise, the workforce shortage in behavioral health fields has become increasingly dire. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2020 and 2030 the number of behavioral health jobs will increase by 23 percent—nearly three times higher than the average growth rate for all occupations.
“Network4Health recognizes that the cost of education can be a barrier for some in obtaining their degree, especially among adult-aged students who may be balancing their studies with a full-time job, family, and other commitments,” says Geoff Vercauteren, director of workforce development for Network4Health at Catholic Medical Center. “These awards will help reduce this barrier and in turn, create a pipeline of qualified employees to fill critical shortages of behavioral health professionals in the Manchester region.”
Network4Health is an organization of more than 40 partners seeking to improve health and wellness in communities surrounding Greater Manchester, Derry and Salem. Vercauteren says this scholarship exemplifies the mission of Network4Health and UNH Manchester to meet the demand for skilled behavioral health professionals.
“This initiative addresses a critical need for the greater Manchester region, and this partnership between Network4Health and UNH Manchester reflects our shared commitment to be responsive to the need for competent, compassionate professionals in the behavioral health workforce.”
The Network4Health Behavioral Health Scholarship is open to students from certain New Hampshire towns who are enrolled in UNH Manchester’s psychology and neuropsychology programs. UNH Manchester will award several scholarships up to a maximum of $2,500 annually for part-time students and $5,000 annually for full-time students. Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply.