Great Minds Fellowship
The Great Minds Fellowship (GMF) is ideal for students looking to make a difference and contribute to growing Ohio’s behavioral health workforce. The program will help students jump-start a successful future in their chosen career path within Ohio communities to better care for those living with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
How does it work?
GMF recipients at Miami University are eligible for up to $10,000 in scholarships during their undergraduate or graduate studies to assist with the costs of obtaining their BSW or MSW degree.
What are the Program's Requirements?
- Must be Ohio residents
- Must graduate by May 2027
- Must complete their practicum placement at a GMF approved agency.
- Must commit to working for at least one year post-graduation within an approved Community-Based Health Center (CBHC) in Ohio.
Note: Timelines for students to receive funds, practicum sites, lengths of internships and practicum requirements, etc. are determined by Miami University, not the Ohio Wellness Workforce.
How to Apply
Contact Adrienne Newman, the Director of Practicum Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a student receive up to $10,000 as an undergrad student and up to $10,000 as a grad student, or is it a $10,000 lifetime maximum?
GMF recipients can receive up to $10,000 lifetime maximum.
Will the funds pay for all course-related costs of the BSW or MSW program, such as tuition, fees, books and resources, and practicum/internships?
GMF funds may be used for:
- Costs related to obtaining BSW or MSW degree (e.g., tuition, fees, supplies, books, meal plans, housing, and other education-related expenses)
- Expenses related to BSW or MSW practicum in a CBHC.
- Costs related to required license and certification preparation and exams.
- Other necessary costs related to licensure, degree or certificate, or practicum (e.g., childcare, transportation).
Will international students be eligible for these fellowships?
Fellowship eligibility is limited to Ohio residents who are within two years of graduating with a degree in Social Work
Is GMF a needs-based program? Would a student need to have completed a FAFSA to be eligible for funding?
GMF is not a need-based program, and the student does not need to have a completed FAFSA on file to be eligible for funding.
Do students need to apply once or each term?
Eligibility is identified and students are nominated by the department through an online process. The student must accept the nomination and sign a fellowship agreement. The number of times a student requires nomination is based on a variety of factors; students will be informed of when they will be nominated and the amount to be expected with each nomination.
Will the recipients have to sign an agreement to work in Ohio after graduating? How will that be monitored?
Recipients must sign a document confirming eligibility and commitment to fulfill practicum and work expectations.
Does "must be employed for one year" mean full-time or does under 40 hours count?
The student must be employed in some capacity for one year within an approved CBHC. This can be any employment category as designated by the CBHC.
What if a student receives funding and does a practicum, but then does not complete the 1 year of employment? Are they expected to repay funds if they do not fulfill obligations?
Students are awarded the funds with the best intentions to meet all requirements.
Does the student have to be hired by the site they intern at to receive the funds?
Employment at any approved CBHC in Ohio satisfies the requirement; it does not have to be the same site as the practicum.
Are these funds only available to those who are currently in a practicum or entering one within the next academic year/semester?
Students must complete their BSW or MSW practicum by spring 2027. Funds may be received in advance of the practicum semester with the expectation of compliance with fellowship requirements when the practicum semester arrives.
