NKU awarded $2.4 million to meet regional need for paraprofessionals in human services

October 1, 2024 - Northern Kentucky University has been awarded $2.4 million from the National Institute of Health’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to provide students in NKU human services programs with scholarships, stipends for field placement and apprenticeship support. Human services encompass a range of professions that support individuals in improving their quality of life.

The $2.4 million grant provides up to $10,000 to students who are majoring or minoring in Human Services and Addictions. The funding allows students to achieve their educational goals without having to carry extra monetary burdens, gaining valuable real-world experience in their field and preparing them for successful careers after graduation.

Kentucky is facing a shortage of paraprofessionals in human services – mental health workers who support community members and their families. This grant will help grow the workforce in our region in this critical area.  

“This grant from HRSA is pivotal for our human services programs,” says Dr. Valerie Hardcastle, Executive Director of the Institute for Health Innovation. “By alleviating some of the financial burdens that students experience, we are enhancing their educational journey and setting them on the path to lead successful lives.”

Funding for this program will allow NKU to continue providing a high-value education at accessible and affordable rates to students of all backgrounds from Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. By giving students early opportunities to thrive in their fields, NKU is shaping future generations to make valuable contributions to regional, national and global communities.