Applications Open - Great Minds Fellowship Workforce Commitment Incentive Program

The Ohio Department of Higher Education has opened applications for the Great Minds Fellowship Workforce Incentive Program, which provides loan repayment up to $20,000 on behalf of new graduates that commit to working at a community behavioral health center for a least one year of full-time (32 hours per week) employment. 

To be eligible to apply for the Great Minds Fellowship Workforce Commitment Incentive Program, an applicant must:

  • Have graduated or received certification between May 1, 2023 and January 6, 2025 from one of the following academic programs: Marriage and Family Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Social Work, Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling or related academic program. Note: Academic program relatedness will be determined by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
  • Be currently employed at an eligible Ohio Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) in a direct care position OR have an employment offer with a start date no later than January 6, 2025 from an eligible Ohio Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) in a direct care position.
  • Commit to at least one year of full-time employment at an eligible Ohio CBHC in a direct care position.
    • Full-time is defined as an average of 32 hours or more.
    • Successful applicants will be required to provide verification of employment at the one-year mark.

The application is available and must be submitted by November 15, 2024.  Applicants will need to fill out the application form completely and email the form and a digital copy of their college or university transcript demonstrating graduation date and academic program to [email protected].

Great Minds Fellowship - Workforce Commitment Incentive Program Application (PDF)

We strongly encourage you to share this information with any employee or student that has or will complete their degree between May 2023 and January 6, 2025 that will be or is currently employed full-time.  This is a great, one-time opportunity for loan forgiveness. More information and an FAQ can be found here