Scholarship recipients must:

• Be a United States Citizen (or otherwise lawfully present in the United States) and a Tennessee resident seeking a master's degree in counseling, psychiatric nursing, social work, psychology, or similar behavioral health profession.

• Demonstrate a commitment to work within Tennessee’s behavioral health system upon completion of academic training.

• Be enrolled or enrolling in an accredited higher education institution in Tennessee.

• Remain in good academic standing throughout participation in the program.
• Commit to working at a TDMHSAS -Funded or Opioid Abatement Council-Funded community behavioral health agency upon graduation.

Scholarships are provided for tuition costs (books not included) of up to $7,500 per academic semester and up to $15,000 per academic year. Students can be part-time or full-time. The maximum scholarship amount is $30,000 over a two-year period.

In exchange for tuition assistance, scholarship recipients will commit to working at a TDMHSAS or Opioid Abatement Council-funded community behavioral health agency that serves Tennesseans with the greatest needs and the least ability to pay.*

* These agencies must be:

• Members of TAADAS or TAMHO with a provider contract with the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. To see a list of community agencies, click here. 
• An agency that is part of the Opioid Abatement Treatment Grant. To see a list of these agencies, click here.

Not all TAADAS providers are eligible to accept scholarship recipients. For your convenience,  click here for a list of supervisors available at TAADAS-member agencies.

Applicants can expect to hear back from scholarship program administrators within three weeks. Scholarships are not guaranteed to applicants.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• A completed application form
• Proof of United States citizenship
• Proof of Tennessee residency

Important Information

• Applications must be complete to be considered
• Submission does not guarantee acceptance into the program
• Additional documentation or interviews may be required during the review process

For more information, contact us at pathways@taadas.org or tamho@tamho.org.

Process

Step 1: Register

Click the “register” link and complete and submit the registration form.

Step 2: Login

Login with your email and password.

Step 3: Create

Create your online application

Step 4: Save

During the call for applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a (check) appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the icon in the application summary section.

Step 5: Submit

Submit a fully completed application form with all required information/documents. Ensure the following materials are included:

• Proof of United States Citizenship
• Proof of Tennessee

Incomplete applications may not be reviewed.

Step 6: Application Review

TAADAS and TAMHO will review applications based on eligibility, completeness, and alignment with program goals. Qualified applicants may be contacted for additional information.

Step 7: Notification of Award

Selected applicants will receive official notification with next steps, including any program agreements or requirements.

Step 8: Program Participation

Award recipients are expected to:

• Maintain enrollment
• Comply with program guidelines
• Participate in any required program activities

How long does the review process take?

Review timelines vary; applicants will be notified once decisions have been made.

Can I apply if I have not started my program yet?

Yes. Applicants who have been accepted into an accredited program may apply.

Is there a service requirement?

In exchange for tuition assistance, scholarship recipients will commit to working Tennessee’s community behavioral health field after graduation at a TDHMSAS or Opioid Abatement Council-funded community behavioral health agency that serves Tennesseans with the greatest needs and the least ability to pay. Details will be provided upon acceptance.

Example:

Full Time is defined as 12 credit hours. Less than 12 credit hours is considered part time.

Who do I contact for assistance?

Please contact TAADAS pathways@taadas.org, TAMHO tamho@tamho.org or the program administrator using the contact information provided on the application page.