MIND AND WELLNESS FOUNDATION
CHRIS VAUGHN MENTAL HEALTH
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Chris Vaughn Mental Health Memorial Scholarship is a memorial scholarship in the honor of our son, grandson, brother and devoted friend to address mental health disorders, illness and awareness of the suicide epidemic in our communities.
One of our founding pillars is to increase access to culturally competent therapists and wellness practitioners. Studies show that the psychology workforce is 85% white and only 2% Black. These numbers are disconcerting and often deter people of color from seeking care.
Not only do we want to be able to ensure that our young people and members of our community get the care they need, but we also hope to be able to increase the number of black and brown therapists and wellness practitioners – available to support them. This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Chris Vaughn by offering scholarships to African-American and Latino-American students interested in pursuing a career in Human Services or Applied Psychological Science, Mental Health and Wellness, Behavioral Science, or related fields of study.
Minority Mental Health and Suicide Snapshot:
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More than half of Hispanic young adults ages 18-25 with serious mental illness may not receive treatment and despite the needs, only 1 in 3 Black adults with mental illness receive treatment (www.nami.org)
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50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24 (www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov)
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In 2019, suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for African Americans, ages 15-24 (minorityhealth.hhs.gov)
About Mind and Wellness Foundation (MAWF)
The Mind and Wellness Foundation (MAWF) is committed to saving the lives of young people, particularly those of color. Through increased awareness, education, research, and access to resources, we seek to eradicate the stigma and change the narrative around mental health, paving a new path that changes the way mental health is recognized, discussed, supported, and cared for in our communities
Scholarship Details
Scholarships are iawarded in varying amounts ranging from $1,000.00 and up, throughout the year to high school seniors and college undergrads and graduate students.
Eligibility Criteria:
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African-American or Latino-American
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High School Senior with a declared major leading to a career as a mental health clinician or provider.
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College Undergrad or Graduate student with a declared major leading to a degree or career in as a mental health clinician or provider
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Major in behavioral health, psychiatry, psychology, social work or family counseling or related fields that focus on mental health and wellness.
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GPA of 2.5 or better
What You’ll Need to Apply:
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Winter/Spring or Summer semester transcript
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Letter of verification of enrollment/or acceptance as a full time student in/to accredited college or university
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Letter of recommendation required from either school faculty or community member
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Deadline for Application and Essay submissions due by Monday, November 13, 2023
Scholarship Awards to be announced on Tuesday, December 15, 2023.
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Receipts of all applications will be acknowledged by email.
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Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
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