Northern Kentucky University receives grant National Institute of Health’s Health Resources and Services Administration

Northern Kentucky University has received a $2.4 million grant from the National Institute of Health’s Health Resources and Services Administration which will assist students in the university’s human services programs, thereby combatting the state’s workforce shortage of paraprofessionals in human services, such as mental health workers.

According to an article on Northern Kentucky University’s website, Dr. Valerie Hardcastle, who serves as the Executive Director of the Institute for Health Innovation, was quoted as saying of the grant award, “This grant from HRSA is pivotal for our human services programs. By alleviating some of the financial burdens that students experience, we are enhancing their educational journey and setting them on the path to lead successful lives.”

By providing students with financial assistance and other support resources during their time in human services programs, students will likely be more apt to finish out their programs and go on to provide mental health services to the community. Eliminating barriers to education will boost the region’s healthcare workforce.

Among the initiatives funded by the grant are $10,000 scholarships for students who are either majoring or minoring in the Human Services and Addictions program, giving students who are completing field placements a stipend for their expenses, and support and resources for students who are looking for apprenticeships to complete in their field.

For more information about Northern Kentucky University, visit the school’s website.