Overview

Until further notice, no additional applications for BHWDI scholars will be accepted after the application selection process closes in May 2024.  

The Washington State Behavioral Health Workforce Development Initiative (BHWDI) supports master’s level mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and social workers committed to serving individuals and families with mental health and substance use challenges.

Thirteen universities are participating across the state. A network of more than 100 community behavioral health agencies and tribal health centers in Washington serve as student training sites and potential employers in the communities where students want to live and work.

Students participating in the initiative may receive conditional grants, up to $51,500, to offset master’s degree expenses by agreeing to serve three years in an approved Washington state community behavioral health agency or tribal health center following their graduation. The initiative also provides expert career placement and mentoring support.

Join the effort to significantly decrease student debt and increase the number and diversity of exceptionally prepared graduates who work in the community agencies on which our state’s most vulnerable populations depend.

How to Apply

To be considered for the Ballmer BHWDI, prospective students must first be admitted to the MSW Program. Because the eligibility criterion for the Ballmer BHWDI scholarship is based on student financial need, newly admitted MSW students should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

The UWT MSW program BHWDI expects application reviews to be completed May 2024.  The BHWDI Scholarship launched in 2021, has grown exponentially each year, and as this career-opportunity is focused on financial need, an extensive financial review will be conducted with each application in late June 2024 due to a U.S. Department of Education delay.  Given this delay, student agreements with costing information will not be expected until following this time.  Please know, if at any point your application is not selected to move forward to the financial review stage, we cannot provide individual feedback or detailed information as to the selection committee's decision.  Our BHWDI team will remain open and transparent with our timeline and will aim to provide updates and information as they become available. Again we thank you for your interest in the UWT MSW program BHWDI and look forward to a new cohort joining us this fall 2024!