The initiative will also support students in Chemeketa Community College’s Behavioral Health, Psychology and Social Sciences Programs, WOU’s Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program, and WOU’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. The community-based organization Interface Network will assist in recruiting students and helping them overcome barriers that affect their ability to earn their degrees, such as lack of childcare, transportation, and technology.

You are invited to join us for a dinner event to learn more about careers in behavioral health and scholarships. Make your calendars:

February 12, 2025 5:30pm  WOU Werner University Pacific Room

April 2, 2025 5:30pm  WOU Werner University Pacific Room

WOU undergraduate students who are majoring in psychology, sociology or gerontology, who are fluent in conversational Spanish, and have at least college 135 credits are encouraged to apply for the earn-to-learn component of the Bilingual Behavioral Health Initiative. Students who will have 135 credits by September, 2024 are also encouraged to apply, but the start date of the scholarship and/or the earn-to-learn program may occur after 135 credits have been earned. Applications are due January 10, 2024 for priority considerations for Winter and Spring 2025, but applications will be accepted after that date.

Students selected for the earn-to-learn program will work 16 hours a week with either Marion or Polk County and be compensated approximately $24 per hour. Students will be given an opportunity to apply for a Quality Mental Health Associate – Registered (QMHA-R) credential, which is a valuable credential for people interested in working in behavioral health. For more information, view the description of the earn-to-learn program. You can also contact Dr. Winningham (winninr@wou.edu) with any questions.