UToledo Awarded Nearly $2M in Scholarship Monies to Strengthen Regional Behavioral Health Workforce | UToledo News
UToledo Awarded Nearly $2M in Scholarship Monies to Strengthen Regional Behavioral Health Workforce
August 18, 2026 | News,
UToday,
Alumni,
Health and Human ServicesBy Shawn Salamone
The University of Toledo has been awarded nearly $2 million to help prepare the next generation of behavioral health professionals through the new Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship (OBHS) Program, a statewide initiative designed to strengthen Ohio’s behavioral health workforce and expand access to care in underserved communities
The scholarships, funded through the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, combined with UToledo support creates a no-cost career preparation pathway for graduate and professional students entering critical mental health fields, helping address acute workforce shortages in Northwest Ohio and throughout the state
UToledo was awarded nearly $2 million to help prepare the next generation of behavioral health professionals through the new Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship Program
“We are committed to building a strong workforce to address the mental health challenges Ohioans are facing,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in a news release. “These scholarships are filling a critical need in behavioral healthcare and encouraging students to remain in the state to serve their fellow Ohioans in the most needed areas.”
Empowering UToledo Graduate Students
Under the program, eligible students enrolled in either of two approved graduate programs at UToledo, the Master of Social Work (MSW) or the Master of Arts in Counselor Education-Clinical Mental-Health Counseling concentration, can receive up to $15,000 per year in scholarship aid, renewable for up to two years. To further alleensure that tuition and general fees are fully covered for recipients
In exchange, recipients commit to serving in eligible Ohio underserved communities for a period equal to the length of their scholarship support, helping address critical workforce shortages in mental health services. The scholarship program begins with the fall 2026 semester and runs through December 2028. Some $733,000 is available to support students in the 2026-2027 academic year
“The University of Toledo is proud to partner with the state of Ohio in preparing highly qualified behavioral health professionals who are committed to serving communities where they are needed most,” said Dr. John M. Laux, interim dean of the College of Health and Human Services. “This investment removes financial barriers for students seeking an advanced education while creating a stronger pipeline of behavioral health professionals who will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Ohioans. It reflects our college’s commitment to educating compassionate, practice-ready professionals who improve the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities across the state.”
Laux says the program is available to new and currently enrolled students and may help students who were pursuing their degrees part time to finish as full-time students, speeding up the time it takes them to enter the workforce
The state investment comes as demand for behavioral health professionals continues to outpace supply. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17% through 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Projections anticipate about 48,300 job openings each year nationwide
The budget allocation positions The University of Toledo as a key hub for training the next generation of clinicians. Through this program, UToledo graduate students will gain vital hands-on clinical experience while securing full tuition assistance and establishing long-term career pathways within Ohio’s healthcare system
By combining academic rigor with experiential field placements in local healthcare networks, clinics and community health centers, UToledo will directly bolster behavioral health access for vulnerable populations in Northwest Ohio.
Scholarship and Program Information
Students who start an application for either degree program will be automatically notified about the Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship at The University of Toledo
Current and prospective students can request more information about each program online: Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Arts in Counselor Education-Clinical Mental-Health Counseling
