First Responder Mental Health Services Grant
The First Responder Mental Health Services Grant is a state-funded grant program that provides funding to first responders, first responder agency support staff, first responder volunteers, or retired first responders in Utah who are seeking a degree or certificate to become a mental health therapist.
Eligible Students
First responders, direct support staff at a first responder agency, first responder volunteers and retired first responders in Utah as defined in Board Policy R627
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a first responder, direct support staff at a first responder agency, first responder volunteer, or a retiree who worked as a first responder in Utah
- Enroll in a degree or certificate program that will qualify the applicant upon completion to become a mental health therapist at an eligible institution
- Prerequisite degrees do not qualify for funding
Eligible Uses
Tuition and fees
Award
Up to $6,000 per academic year, after all other financial aid
Award Duration
Up to four academic years
Eligible Institutions
- Public, degree-granting institutions:
- Southern Utah University
- University of Utah
- Utah State University
- Utah Tech University
- Utah Valley University
- Weber State University
- Private, non-profit institutions:
- Brigham Young University
- Westminster University
- Western Governors University
Application Period
- Second application period for the 2026-27 academic year:
- Opens: October 15, 2026
- Deadline: November 16, 2026
- Awards during this application period include spring and summer 2027 semesters. Recipients awarded during the first application period do not need to reapply now.
- Two application periods for the 2027-28 academic year will be available next year. Check back in the spring for details about the first application window.
Additional Information
Contact scholarships@ushe.edu