School-Based Behavioral Health

How do I know if this is a good opportunity for me?

If you are interested in providing school-based behavioral health, earning your MSW degree at Kennesaw State University, and supporting school students and families in Georgia this would be a great opportunity for you.

What is the application process?

Prospective students have to apply and be accepted into KSU’s MSW program. These students can simultaneously complete the School-Based Mental Health Professional Pipeline (SMHPP)/DOE Fellowship application as well. All MSW admissions information can be found on the KSU website link here.

How long is the program?

The MSW program is a two year full-time program, with two full days of courses and two full days of internship each semester.

Do I have to complete an internship?

Yes, all MSW/DOE Fellows complete a school-based internship for two full days each week over four semesters (Fall/Spring, Fall/Spring).

What is the value of the scholarship and stipend?

Fellows receive full payment of tuition and fees (scholarship) and a stipend. The stipend amount ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per semester for the duration of the fellowship.

What is unique about this program from a training perspective?

Students receive specialized out of class trainings (Youth Mental Health First Aid, Youth Behavioral Health in Rural and Underserved Communities, Trauma-Informed Teaching Model, Community Resiliency Model – CRM) and a curriculum focusing on abused and neglected children, school social work practice and working on interprofessional collaborative teams. Students will also receive two years of mentorship and coaching in building cultural humility for working with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Once students are admitted into the program, they sign a commitment letter that explains all the requirements, from courses that need to be taken, to out of class trainings and completing hours in internships. Once students sign the letter, they need to adhere to the requirements in order to stay in the program and receive scholarship and stipend.

Do 2nd year MSW Students or Advance Standing students have the option to apply for the Fellowship?

Yes, our partnership with Georgia State University allows rising second year MSW students and Advance Standing students to apply for the School-Based Mental Health Fellowship with Clayton County School System. Once admitted into the one year fellowship program, students’ tuition and fees will be paid each semester they are in the MSW full-time program, and they will receive a stipend of approximately $3,000 each semester.

What happens after graduation?

Students commit to applying and working in school systems and/or community organizations serving families and children in roles to include school social workers and other support roles for at least one year after graduation. Students WILL commit to applying to open paid positions in the school districts where they complete internships. If none are available, then application to another rural and/or underserved school district or any organization serving children in rural/underserved communities in Georgia or other states in the U.S. will qualify. Students will share the efforts they make to seek these positions with DOE grant evaluators for at least one year after graduation. Students will have opportunities to attend job fairs hosted by Kennesaw State University, the various school districts, community agencies in the counties in which they have completed their internships, or in other rural and/or underserved counties in the region as a part of their job search process.

What happens if I am accepted to the program and then have to withdraw?

Students who have been accepted to the program and have to withdraw for any reason will have to pay back any tuition, fees and stipend monies paid to them till the time of withdrawal. Students will sign a commitment letter to this effect.

Can I pick the county for my internship?

The DOE Internship Director will place student in an internship site after taking into account their preference, availability in the district, and input from site supervisor after student completes interview with school district. Since there are several factors to consider in the placement decision, the Internship Director, DOE Faculty Team, and the school districts will have the final say.

What happens if I am unable to attend the out of class trainings?

Students sign a commitment letter where they indicate that they will attend all the REQUIRED out of class trainings. Out of class trainings are MANDATORY and if a student cannot attend, they are not in compliance with the program requirements. If there is no opportunity for the student to make up the training, then the student will need to return the scholarship and stipend funds awarded to them and no longer be a part of the SMHPP/DOE program.

Do Fellows fall under the University System of Georgia (USG) Mandatory Student Health Insurance Guidelines?

Yes, graduate students receiving fellowships that fully fund their tuition are required to have student health insurance that meets the minimum standards set by the University System of Georgia. Please note that this requirement does not apply to you if you are covered by a policy held by a parent, spouse or employer that meets the minimum standards. If your insurance does not meet the minimum standards you will be charged for a USG Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) Policy. Please reach out to the Office of the Registrar for further information here.