This project is currently under new management. We are honored to continue all the great work that has been done and excited to begin working with all of you in support of New Mexico's children, schools, and communities! If this is your first time applying for an EOP stipend, please fill out this questionnaire before requesting any funding. This questionnaire is a one-time form. If you have already filled one out, there is no need to submit multiple forms. If you have already completed the questionnaire, you may apply for funding by clicking on Funding Requests above and following the instructions on that page.
The Expanding Opportunities Project aims to recruit and retain school-based mental health (SBMH) providers to serve the needs of students across New Mexico, focusing on rural and frontier communities with a high percentage of at-risk and vulnerable student populations. We have the highest respect for school-based mental health providers and the journey it takes to become one. This project will provide funding to support qualified participants who are already SBMH providers in New Mexico or are on the road to becoming one.
The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED), Safe and Healthy Schools Bureau, was awarded a USDE grant to increase the number and quality of school-based mental health (SBMH) providers in high-need schools. By partnering with NM schools, universities, Native American communities, and other state agencies, the EOP will increase the number of SBMH providers and access to care for school-aged youth in identified communities.
Due to the urban makeup of the locations, schools in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe are not eligible. Private schools are also not qualifying schools. All other New Mexico Schools serving K–12 students would qualify as rural and high-need. This includes public, charter, and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools.
*Please note that all funding received from this program is considered taxable income.
All funding requests will require supporting documentation and commitment to work in a qualified, NM school as a mental health professional for at least 24 months (after graduation for students or going forward for current professionals).
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Graduate StudentsAcademic Support Incentive
Qualifying participants can receive up to $3,000 of academic support for their first year in EOP. For each additional year that the participant is involved in EOP and qualifies for academic support, the amount increases by $500.
To receive the full amount of academic support, participants must successfully complete at least two semesters in their regionally accredited behavioral health program. At least two classes or one practicum/internship per semester must be completed to earn the full amount. *Summer semesters will count as a full semester.
EOP participants may elect to receive half of their academic support upon completion of one semester and the other half when the second semester is finished. They may also wait to receive the full amount upon completion of the two semesters.
EOP participants must provide a copy of their full transcripts for eligibility determination.
Internship/Practicum Placement Stipends
Qualifying EOP participants can receive a $5,000 stipend for completing a practicum/internship via a partnering university placement (in an EOP-approved high-need school/district). EOP participants may claim a maximum of two qualifying stipends for a total of $10,000!
Students may apply for the practicum/internship stipend upon successful completion of a qualifying practicum/internship. Transcripts must be provided as proof of completion. Starting January 2023, monthly installments are no longer available.
Licensure Reimbursement
EOP participants applying for their initial school-based mental health license can apply to receive up to $300 in licensure reimbursement once they have obtained the license. To qualify for reimbursement, applicants must provide itemized receipts for the exam fee and licensure fee, plus their new license. If the $300 cap has not been met, applicants may also include receipts for official study materials. Applicants may not claim study materials without a corresponding exam and license fee.
*Licensure reimbursement is for initial licenses only. License renewals are not eligible for reimbursement.
*Study materials must be official publications or online resources specified for the license.
NM Licensed School-Based Mental Health ProvidersSalary Enhancement Stipend
Stipends are available to qualified school-based mental health providers employed in qualified schools/districts. If you have worked in a qualified school district in a licensed mental health role for one year or more (must be at least a master's level or above), you may apply to receive a stipend of $2,000. You may continue to apply for this stipend once per year for the life of the project. The amount of the stipend will increase by $500 each additional year for the life of the grant.
Licensure Reimbursement
EOP participants applying for their initial school-based mental health license can apply to receive up to $300 in licensure reimbursement once they have obtained the license. To qualify for reimbursement, applicants must provide itemized receipts for the exam fee and licensure fee, plus their new license. If the $300 cap has not been met, applicants may also include receipts for official study materials. Applicants may not claim study materials without a corresponding exam and license fee.
*Licensure reimbursement is for initial licenses only. License renewals are not eligible for reimbursement.
*Study materials must be official publications or online resources specified for the license.
