Mount St. Joseph University Awarded $417,000 to Support Social Work Students, Strengthen Ohio Behavioral Health Workforce

CINCINNATI - Mount St. Joseph University (Mount) has been awarded $417,000 through the Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship Program to provide tuition support for students pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, and help address Ohio's shortage of behavioral health professionals.

The two-year scholarship will support 20 students in the Mount's MSW program through scholarships of up to $15,000 per student annually. The Mount will provide institutional aid to cover remaining tuition and general fees, allowing eligible scholarship recipients to complete the program without paying tuition or general fees. Students will remain responsible for books and certain course-specific fees.

"This funding provides an important opportunity to recruit and support students who are passionate about making a meaningful difference in their communities," said Lisa Clifton, MSW program director at Mount St. Joseph University.

"Ohio faces a critical shortage of behavioral health professionals, so this award represents more than scholarship funding. It is an investment in healthier communities and a sustainable behavioral health workforce."

The Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship Program is a statewide partnership among the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, Health Impact Ohio and the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The program is designed to increase the number of licensed behavioral health professionals at the graduate and professional degree levels, particularly those serving populations that have historically been underserved.

The Mount is one of 18 Ohio institutions receiving funding through the program.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must be Ohio residents and commit to working in an eligible behavioral health field in Ohio following graduation. The required employment commitment is equal to the length of time the student receives scholarship funding, and employment must begin within six months of graduation.

The award comes as the Mount prepares to welcome its inaugural MSW cohort in fall 2026. Five students entering the traditional two-year program this fall will be eligible for funding, with their scholarships renewable for a second year. The award will also support 10 advanced standing students beginning in summer 2027 and an additional five traditional MSW students beginning in fall 2027.

The funding is intended to reduce financial barriers for students entering a field facing significant workforce demand across Ohio. Scholarship recipients may also be eligible, through a separate process, for internship stipends to support their field practicum placements.

The Mount's MSW program prepares graduates for careers across behavioral health and social services, including clinical social work, mental health care, hospitals and health care settings, child welfare, community organizations, policy, and advocacy.

Prospective students must first apply and be accepted into the Mount's MSW program. Eligible Ohio residents can then complete a separate application for the Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship. Applications for the fall 2026 cohort are currently being accepted.

For more information about the Mount's Master of Social Work program or to apply, visit our Master of Social Work program page here.

About the Mount
As a Catholic institution rooted in the values of the Sisters of Charity, Mount St. Joseph University excels at serving the common good. Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students at the Mount are inspired to think beyond the classroom and redraw the bounds of what's possible for their futures. This is accomplished through individualized educational experiences, a safe, secure campus environment, and an all-in commitment from faculty and staff to inspire students to reach their highest potential. The Mount fosters life-long learners who serve, care, and contribute to the world beyond their front doors.

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