SE North Carolina News

Graduate-level students in North Carolina studying to become psychiatric nurse practitioners or mental health providers are encouraged to apply for New Hanover County's Fellows Program. This initiative offers forgivable financial assistance to those willing to serve locally after graduation.

Now in its third year, the program is funded by the $50 million Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Fund and the national opioid settlement. It aims to enhance the community's capacity for mental health and substance use disorder services in New Hanover County. Applications are open until June 30, 2025.

“Over the last two years, we’ve connected with students who have a service-focused mentality and an incredible passion for this line of work – which is why we are so excited to begin working with our next cohort,” said Chief Diversity and Equity Officer Linda Thompson. “We’re grateful to our in-state institutions for their help in making this program possible, and we’re excited to continue this partnership, which gets students the financial support they need for their educational journey while addressing a need for mental health providers in New Hanover County.”

Students selected for the program enrolled in a psychiatric nurse practitioner program can receive $4,500 per semester, up to a maximum of $36,000. Participants in the mental health provider Fellows Program can receive $3,500 per semester, with a maximum award of $14,000.

For the 2025-26 academic year, applications are accepted online through June 30. Selected individuals will be notified in mid-July. Funding is renewable each semester with proof of satisfactory academic performance.

Eligibility requires students to be currently enrolled and in good standing with a North Carolina-accredited program at their educational institution.

After completing their education and obtaining licensure, recipients must commit to serving underserved populations in New Hanover County to qualify for tuition forgiveness. Psychiatric nurse practitioners must serve at least three years, while mental health providers must serve at least two years.

More information on how to apply is available at Strategy.NHCgov.com.