EMC Health Foundation Opens Applications for Behavioral Health Scholarship Program
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 31
The EMC Health Foundation launched the Linda M. Stuhmer Behavioral Health Scholarship Program in 2020. This program is designed to expand access to mental health services for residents of Stanislaus and Merced counties. Named after EMC Health Inc. President and CEO Linda Stuhmer, the Linda M. Stuhmer Behavioral Health Fellowship honors the local leader for her significant contributions to the communities across the Central Valley, as well as her work with Jessica’s House where she has helped to ensure grieving families and individuals have a place to call home.
The scholarship will see EMCHF assist local students who have been accepted into one of four two-year master’s programs (Marriage and Family Therapy, Licensed Clinical Psychology, Clinical Social Work or Professional Clinical Counseling) with the cost of tuition and books, which today averages close to $50,000.
Stuhmer has always been known as someone committed to ensuring no one with a mental health challenge is ever left behind. The scholarship program will draw on the diversity and unique culture of the Valley, which will be best served by future leaders like Stuhmer who are committed to being part of the community.
“There is a mental health crisis in America. More needs to be done to give rural communities much needed access to mental health services and this is just the first step,” said Jeffrey Lewis, President and CEO of EMCHF. “It is often difficult for people and families to access needed behavioral health services because of severe provider shortages. This fellowship program will allow us to educate local students who want to obtain their master’s degree or Ph.D and stay and work in our community. In creating this program, we are honoring a healthcare hero, Linda Stuhmer, recognizing the incredible contributions she has made to our community.”
Upon completing their studies and being licensed, graduates will be required to return to work for three years at a nonprofit or for-profit entity, serving the greater EMCHF community’s behavior-health needs within the specific communities served by the foundation.
The goal is to rebuild the Central Valley’s behavioral-health infrastructure with individuals who grew up in the region and would be more inclined to live and work in the Central Valley, ensuring that all its residents can access quality mental health services provided by culturally appropriate trained professionals.
To obtain more information about the fellowship program or to submit an application, email allie@emchf.org
Attached is the application packet that details what must be submitted for consideration. Please provide a complete packet to avoid delays. Most important, we need proof that you have graduated from college and that you have been accepted into one of the four doctorate or master’s degree programs listed below:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
The Linda M. Stuhmer Behavioral Health Scholarship Application
EMC Health Foundation (EMCHF) has launched a scholarship program to help educate the mental health workforce of the future. The first phase of the initiative is focused on covering the costs of graduate school for applicants seeking a degree as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. The EMC Health Foundation fellowship is designed to cover tuition and books and not to exceed $50,000. In exchange, applicants agree to practice as a mental health professional for three years in any of the following zip codes in the California Central Valley. These are the Greater EMC Health Foundation zip codes:
The Linda M. Stuhmer Behavioral Health Scholarship Application Medical Education Assistance must be submitted to:
Allie Jeffery, Associate Director - Research Cohorts
EMC Health Foundation
2881 Geer Road, Suite A – Turlock, CA 95382
Or by email to: allie@emchf.org
Subject: Behavioral Health Fellowship Application
All application packets must include the following:
1. Name / mailing address / city / state / cellphone number.
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport photo and accompanying information).
3. Proof of graduation from a college or university (certified transcripts).
4. Verification of acceptance to a U.S. based graduate program
5. Three reference letters: one each for personal, professional, and academic.
6. Your personal statement. This is a 1-2 page single-spaced letter to the EMC Health Foundation Behavioral Health Fellowship Committee sharing why you are applying, background on yourself, and why you have an interest in practicing in behavioral health within one or more of the zip codes in the Greater EMC Health Foundation Community.
7. Please indicate if you have attended graduate school, received a graduate degree, or taken graduate courses, etc. This is not a requirement but allows the Committee to know and understand the breadth of your interests.
8. Signed verification and release form (In link above)