
Clinical Mental Health
Counseling Scholarship
Information
APPLY
We’re helping increase the behavioral health workforce
Ashland Community Health Foundation’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) scholarship opens a door to success in high-demand behavioral health care careers by supporting local students who intend to pursue careers serving low-income and vulnerable populations and remain in the Rogue Valley.
“Our community health assessment has identified that both increasing access to health care and adding behavioral health providers are critical needs. We’re excited to partner with Ashland Community Health Foundation.”
– Jennifer Lind, CEO Jackson Care Connect
Scholarship eligibility
Scholarship awards are considered for students who submit complete applications and must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling masters program at Southern Oregon University or another accredited non-profit educational institution*
- Bee in their second and final year of the program
- Be in good academic standing, with a GPA of at least 3.0
- Be enrolled in at least 6 credits per term
- Intend to work with low-income and vulnerable populations for a minimum of one year after graduation
- Currently live in the Rogue Valley and intend to work here
- Is not a previous recipient of an ACHF scholarship
*To find out more about other eligible institutions, please contact us at scholarships@achfoundation.org.
Application requirements
Applicants must apply online through our website to complete the application. To prepare, have the following information and documents ready:
- Student ID number
- GPA
- Program start date and graduation date
- Employment information
- Household income
- Out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and fees
- Proof of full-time enrollment

The application will be open from
May 5 to June 30, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is each scholarship?
Scholarship awards are $6,000. Funds are equally distributed to the financial aid office in fall, winter, and spring terms.
How are the scholarships awarded?
- A limited number of scholarship awards will be made per academic year.
- Scholarship awards may be used only for tuition and other academic fees.
- Funds will be sent directly to the school and earmarked for the recipient.
- Awards will be made based on the relative merits and financial need of each applicant.
- Priority is given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to working with low-income and vulnerable populations in the Rogue Valley after graduation.
What are the application guidelines?
- Applicants should review these Frequently Asked Questions, carefully read and follow the instructions in the application, and complete all required fields.
- When uploading documents, use either PDF, Word (.doc or .docx), or text files. Please do not submit JPEG files or phone screenshots.
- Once you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email confirmation, check your spam folders or please contact our office at scholarships@achfoundation.org or call 541-482-0367 x1.
When is the application window open?
The online application is made available in early May, and closes near the end of June. Applicants should visit this page for exact application dates each year.
Can I start my application now and save it for later?
Yes! Applicants are given the option to save and continue at a later time.
Do I need to reapply for the scholarship each year?
No. The scholarship is a one-time award. Applicants who receive funding are not eligible for future CMHC scholarships.
Which GPA should I submit?
Please include your current or most recent GPA.
What financial information is required?
The application will ask:
Employment Status: Applicants will need to provide their current employment status.
Household Income: Applicants will be asked to provide their household income based on a list of income ranges. The applicant’s adjusted gross income from the most recent income tax return is ideal. If the applicant is a dependent who is claimed by someone else, they should provide their family/household adjusted gross income.
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Applicants will be asked to enter the estimated amount of out-of-pocket tuition and fee expenses for the academic year.
Financial Need: If applicable, the applicant may include information about their financial need.
Do I need to write an essay?
Yes. The applicant will be asked to write about their 1) educational plans and 2) career plans.
Do I need to attach a documents?
Yes, the applicant should prepare to submit proof of full-time enrollment (6+ credits per term.) Documents that may be used include (but are not limited to):
- A copy of your official transcript
- A copy of a course registration confirmation letter or email for the current/upcoming term
- A copy of a current tuition bill
- A copy of a current, valid student ID
Do I need to attach a resume?
Yes, the applicant should include on their resume: relevant and significant work experience, relevant and significant volunteer experience, and educational institutions attended, including their cumulative GPA at each listed institution. Formats accepted: PDF, doc, doc.x (no jpg or phone screenshots)
Award decisions
Award decisions are made in early to mid-August for the upcoming year and all applicants will be notified by email of the funding decision.
What if my contact information changes after I submit my application?
Applicants can update their profile in the application portal. Once logged in select your name in the upper right corner and click Edit Profile.
Does the scholarship provide funding for other behavioral health education programs?
The scholarship supports second year students who live in the Rogue Valley and are enrolled in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program at Southern Oregon University or another accredited non-profit educational institution.* At this time students enrolled in other behavioral health degree programs are not eligible to apply.

About the Scholarship
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Scholarship was established in 2025 through the generosity of CareOregon and Jackson Care Connect to help build the behavioral health workforce in Jackson County.
