New Mental Health Scholarship Program Created at D'Youville

To meet a growing demand of mental health workers needed in the area, D’Youville created the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program in 2016. The Patrick Lee Foundation has announced they will join D’Youville and support these students through the awarding of upwards of $210,00 of scholarships.

“Like many other parts of the United States, our region is experiencing an acute shortage of mental health professionals,” said Jane Mogavero, executive director of the Lee Foundation. “As we work to raise awareness of mental health issues and support people in their efforts to seek treatment, the demand for mental health professionals will become even more critical. To address this growing community need, the Lee Foundation is providing scholarships to students entering mental health professions.”

Through this generous partnership, D’Youville will receive $70,000 per year for three years to provide up to $10,000 annually to seven students who show financial need.

Students who are qualified for the scholarship must maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA, be a current resident within the eight counties of Western New York, and pledge to live and work in WNY for five continuous years following the completion of their education.

“The Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) program was developed in response to an awareness of the significant mental health needs of the community. There are efforts to improve understanding of mental illness through anti-stigma campaigns, yet treatment options remain inadequate due to a shortage of providers and services,” said Ann Caughill EdD, associate professor and director of the PMHNP program.

“Students graduating from D’Youville’s program are prepared to provide both pharmacologic and psychotherapy interventions for patients across the lifespan. They are in unique positions to contribute significantly by virtue of education that is grounded in science and holism and that emphasizes the value of relationships,” added Caughill.

Applicants to the Lee Scholarship will submit an essay indicating their interest in working in the mental health field and their financial need.

Students may begin applying for the Lee Foundation Scholarship in October 2018. The first recipients of the scholarship will be awarded this fall and be allowed to apply the funds to the spring and summer semesters of 2019. Starting in the Spring 2019 semester, the recipients for the 2019-2020 academic year will be awarded. Each spring semester, up to seven recipients will be chosen for the scholarship to be applied to the fall and spring semesters of the following educational year.

In 2016, The Patrick P. Lee Foundation Board began reassessing their focus to raising awareness of serious mental illness and increasing public support for mental health services. As an organization dedicated to supporting mental health initiatives and a focusing on education for those in need, the partnership between the Patrick P. Lee Foundation and D’Youville is a natural fit.

“Ensuring our community has a well-trained, experienced mental health workforce is at the intersection of the Lee Foundation’s two focus areas – mental health and education. D’Youville is known for its strong academic programs, so we are excited to partner with the College to provide these scholarships for students in the psychiatric nurse practitioner program,” added Mogavero.

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