Through an application process, Mesa Community College in collaboration with the Family Involvement Center (FIC) will be offering tuition scholarships, career training and job placement for eligible parents who are in recovery from an opiate or other substance use disorder and have first-hand experience being involved in Department of Child Safety or another child welfare system.
Tuition scholarships will be provided through the Parent Peer Support Social Work Scholarship Stipend Program annually through 2024.
Applications due Monday, May 15, 2023
Benefits
As a parent, if you qualify and are selected, you will receive as part of the scholarship program:
- Tuition at MCC
- A monthly stipend
- Reimbursement for books and supplies
- A new computer to keep upon successful completion of MCC course work
- Support services from MCC and FIC
As a participant in the program, after completing classes you are also eligible to be hired in a paid position as an apprentice in a peer support program, leading to a possible career in helping other families in difficult situations.
The apprenticeship program is 2,000 hours of paid employment providing full- or part-time peer support. The apprenticeship includes an hourly wage, benefits and a stipend to support you and your family’s needs while participating in the program.
Eligibility
- Must have experience (familiarity, understanding and practice) navigating and receiving service from one or more of the following child programs: Department of Child Services, Addiction and Recovery, Mental/Behavioral Health and Juvenile Justice.
- Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- Must be available to be admitted, register and enroll at Mesa Community College and start a class by August 20, 2023.
- Must agree to attend eight college-level social work classes offered in a live online format.
- Must be prepared and agree to complete 300 hours of a service-learning internship with FIC by signing a commitment letter to participate in both years of the program, if accepted.
Video from the FIC about what a Peer Support Specialist is and what he/she does to help parents.
Applications due Monday, May 15, 2023
A cohort of students each year will be selected based upon the application and interview process. Applications are due by Monday, May 15, 2023 or until full. Following the receipt of applications, those selected will be required to attend a mandatory virtual orientation. If you attend the orientation, you will be selected for a panel interview to determine who joins the cohort.
The Parent Peer Support Social Work Stipend Program (PPSSWSP) is offered through a four-year grant with the Health Services Resource Administration (HRSA) to fund an opioid-impacted parent support program and a collaboration between FIC and Mesa Community College’s Social Work Program.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact Karin Kline at karin@familyinvolvementcenter.org
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