Health Scholar Programs for Students Pursuing Careers in Mental and Behavioral Health 2026

Health Scholar Programs for Students Pursuing Careers in Mental and Behavioral Health
Denver is facing a mental health crisis. More than one in 4 Denver residents reported poor mental health in 2023, yet more than half of Coloradan’s who need counseling cannot get an appointment. The biggest barrier is not cost or stigma; it is the shortage of trained professionals. By 2030, behavioral health job openings in Colorado are projected to increase by 30 percent. The Health Scholar program and the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute at MSU Denver is building the workforce our state desperately needs.

Holistic Student Support for Success
For many Health Scholars, this program is the difference between completing their degree and walking away from school. The one-year program, led by a full-time health career navigator and supported by peer leaders, offers comprehensive academic and career guidance. Students receive scholarships, participate in curricula centered on health equity, and engage in proactive academic coaching and professional mentoring.

Sponsor a Health Scholar
The rising cost of living in Denver makes this support more critical than ever. Your gift directly supports these students and strengthens the region’s health workforce. A full sponsorship is $5,000 per student, and every dollar goes directly to the student. Support covers essential expenses such as tuition, fees, transportation, supplies, certification requirements, and short-term living needs that help students stay enrolled and complete the program. Every contribution, at any level, expands access to training and creates a clear path for future health professionals in our community. When you sponsor a Health Scholar, you are not just supporting a student; you are helping build a behavioral workforce so needed right now.