The NBCC Foundation is pleased to announce the 2018 application period for the National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Fellowship Program (NBCC MFP). This program is made possible by grants awarded to NBCC by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The NBCC Foundation has been contracted by NBCC to administer up to 30 master’s-level counseling fellowships of $8,000 for mental health counseling students. Eligible applicants must demonstrate knowledge of and experience with racially and ethnically diverse populations, and commit to providing mental health services to underserved minority transition-age youth (16–25) populations.

The NBCC MFP will help ensure that the behavioral health needs of all Americans are met, regardless of language or culture, thereby reducing health disparities and improving overall community health and well-being. By strategically promoting and providing fellowships to master’s-level counseling students, the NBCC MFP strengthens the infrastructure that engages diverse individuals in counseling and increases the number of professional counselors providing effective, culturally competent services to underserved populations.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status.
• Applicants must not receive any other federal funds (except for federal student loans) or work for a federal agency.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a CACREP-accredited counseling master’s program.
• Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of and experience with racially and ethnically diverse populations.
• Applicants must commit to applying for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification prior to graduation and to completing the application process.
• Applicants must commit to providing mental health services to underserved minority transition-age youth (16–25) populations.
• African Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Asian Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are especially encouraged to apply.

To check the CACREP status of a program, search the CACREP website.

The 2019 application will open October 2018.
Updated eligibility requirements will be available no later than October 5, 2018.