Application for Loan Forgiveness

Application for Loan Forgiveness 

Description
Behavioral Health Higher Education Program (BHHEP) is a loan forgiveness program designed by BHARP and its member counties to increase the availability of high-quality candidates for the behavioral health Health Choices provider network. The ultimate goal is to increase access to behavioral health services for our members by increasing provider staffing levels.
BHHEP is designed to provide prospective bachelor's and master’s-level college students in Pennsylvania with the opportunity to have the program pay for the last year of classes.(Up to $20,000 for student's receiving their Bachelor's degree and up to $40,000 for student's recieving their Master's level degree.) In exchange, students would complete two years of employment after graduation.

Who is Involved?
The provider is the entity with which the student will complete two years of employment with following graduation. 
The college/university is the entity that is ultimately connected to both the county and the provider and finds qualified students who may take advantage of BHHEP.
The BHHEP Advisory Council is a panel of five counties that provides general decision making and overall communication regarding BHHEP.
BHARP fulfills an administrative role by overseeing the project and collaborating with the vendor to implement BHHEP.  BHARP also facilitates the BHHEP Advisory Council meetings.

Who can Apply?
Students who are Pennsylvania resident and commit to a two-year agreement with a behavioral health provider that is contracted with the 24 county, North Central Health Choices contract.  
BHHEP may be available at your college/university and is not limited to a specific college/university.
To apply a student must:

• Be a junior or a senior in an accredited college or university. Be a Master's level student in an accredited college or university. 
• Have a genuine interest in the behavioral health field.
• Be a resident of Pennsylvania
• Possess a valid driver's license

How to apply?
To apply to BHHEP, a prospective student must provide the following items:

• Fill out the application
• Submit the following documents:
  • A current resume
  • A letter of recommendation from the student’s college/university faculty member advocating for participation in BHHEP
  • A personal statement from the student on why they are a good fit for the program
  • A copy of transcripts (unofficial copy is acceptable)
  • A copy of the student’s driver’s license