Behavioral Health Higher Education Plan (BHHEP)

The Behavioral Health Higher Education Program (BHHEP) is a multi-pathway initiative developed by BHARP and its member counties to expand Pennsylvania’s behavioral health workforce. It provides two distinct opportunities for college students: a paid internship and tuition assistance, which may be pursued independently or together.

Qualified students begin with a paid internship at a behavioral health provider during their senior year. This hands-on experience helps build practical skills and a strong foundation for future employment.

Students interested in tuition assistance must also agree to a two-year post-graduation employment commitment with the same provider—strengthening workforce stability and access to care across the region. For their senior year, students may receive:

• Up to $20,000 for a bachelor’s-level program
• Up to $40,000 for a master’s-level program

The counties are the student’s primary contact and provide oversight of the student’s program. The counties select the provider(s) that will participate in the program. The counties also either select or delegate selection of the colleges/universities participating in the program. The counties may also be involved in the selection of students to participate in the program.

The provider is the entity with which the student will complete an internship during their senior year and, additionally, complete two years of employment with that same provider following graduation. The internship experience requirement is designed to ensure that both students and providers are a quality match, which will lead to the success of the individual with the provider.

The college/university is the entity that is ultimately connected to both the county and the provider and finds qualified students who may take advantage of BHHEP.

The BHHEP Advisory Council is a panel of five counties that provides general decision making and overall communication regarding BHHEP.

BHARP fulfills an administrative role in the development of necessary documents, ensures payments are made to colleges/universities for the student’s senior year, and facilitates the BHHEP Advisory Council meetings.

BHHEP may be available at your college/university and is not limited to a specific college/university.

To apply a student must:

• Be a junior in an accredited college or university.
• Have a genuine interest in the behavioral health field.

To apply to BHHEP, a prospective student must provide the following items:

1. A BHHEP Application
2. The following documents:
   • A current resume
   • A letter of recommendation from the student’s college/university faculty member advocating for participation in BHHEP
   • A personal statement from the student on why they are a good fit for the program
   • A copy of transcripts (unofficial copy is acceptable)
   • A copy of the student’s driver’s license

Please submit all above listed required materials securely to: TheRuralDifference@bharp.org