2025-2026 First Responder Mental Health Services Grant (Round 2)

2025-2026 First Responder Mental Health Services Grant
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Deadline - November 14, 2025

This application is for first responders (including support staff at a first responder agency), first responder volunteers, and first responder retirees in Utah who are seeking a degree or certificate to become mental health therapists.

Recipients may receive an award of up to $6,000 per year to cover tuition and fees after other financial aid is applied, for up to four academic years, subject to meeting renewal requirements. The grant may be used at any Utah public college or university or select Utah non-profit private colleges and universities that offer eligible academic programs.

The scholarship is administered by the Utah Board of Higher Education.

Note: This is the second application period in the 2025 calendar year and will provide support to students beginning in the Spring 2026 semester. Students who were previously awarded during the 2025/26 first application period should not reapply.

Key Application Requirements

All applicants must:
1. Be a first responder (including support staff at a first responder agency), first responder volunteer, or a retiree who worked as a first responder in Utah, as those terms are defined in Utah Code Section 53B-8-116.
2. Enroll at an eligible college or university for the 2025-2026 academic year in a postsecondary degree or certificate program, which will qualify the applicant upon completion to become a mental health therapist, as that term is defined in Utah Code Section 58-60-102.
  - Please note that pre-requisite degrees are not eligible for funding under this grant.
In addition, renewal applicants must:
1. Provide transcript information to show progress toward degree completion.
A completed application does not guarantee funding.

Note - This application will need to be completed in one session. Applicants will not be able to save their progress and complete the application later. Before starting the application, please have all the information necessary to complete it.

Applicant Information

Please provide basic information about yourself and your email address and phone number for future contact, including application updates.
Full Legal Name*

First NameMiddle Name (optional)Last Name
Preferred Name
Birthdate*

MonthDayYear
Email Address*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid 10 digit phone number (beginning with the area code).

I am a:*

New applicant (have NOT received an award for this program before)Renewal applicant (have received an award for this program before)

Eligibility Information - New Applicants
I am a:*

Currently employed full-time first responder (including first responder agency support staff)Current first responder volunteerRetired first responder
Upload documentation demonstrating your first responder, first responder volunteer, or first responder retiree status.*

First responders and first responder volunteers should attach a letter on agency letterhead signed by your supervisor or HR verifying your status as a first responder or first responder volunteer. First responder retirees should attach a URS annual statement or other URS document showing the chapter in which you qualify for retirement, or a letter from your former employer confirming your status as a first responder retiree.
Cancelof
Please provide a description of your mental health services career objectives.*
Select the college or university in which you are enrolled or will enroll at for the 2025-2026 academic year.*
Name and location of the college or university in which you are enrolled or will enroll for 2025-2026 academic year
Please provide a brief explanation of why you are enrolling at an institution outside the state of Utah.
Will you be enrolled for the Spring 2026 semester?*

YesNo
Confirm enrollment in a related program*

Check this box to affirm your continued enrollment in a program that leads to certification as a mental health therapist, as that term is defined in Utah Code Section 58-60-102, upon its completion.
What is the name of the program you are enrolled in or in which you plan to enroll?*
Please include the degree type and program name (i.e. Master of Social Work)
College Student ID*
This number may be used to have your award posted to your college account. If you do not yet have one, you may indicate so here.

Eligibility Information - Renewal Applicants
I am a:*

Currently employed full-time first responder (including first responder agency support staff)Current first responder volunteerRetired first responder
Upload documentation demonstrating your first responder, first responder volunteer, or first responder retiree status. *

First responders and first responder volunteers should attach a letter on agency letterhead signed by your supervisor or HR verifying your status as a first responder or first responder volunteer. First responder retirees should attach a URS annual statement or other URS document showing the chapter in which you qualify for retirement, or a letter from your former employer confirming your status as a first responder retiree.
Cancelof
Confirm continued enrollment in a related program*

Check this box to affirm your continued enrollment in a program that leads to certification as a mental health therapist, as that term is defined in Utah Code Section 58-60-102, upon its completion.
Upload a copy of your college transcript, including the last semester you completed.*

Your transcript should include final grades from the last semester you completed to show progress toward your degree program since your last payments from this grant. Unofficial transcripts are okay.
Cancelof
If the college or university in which you will be enrolled for the 2025-2026 academic year has changed since your last grant payment, please select your new institution from the list below.
College Student ID*
Provide the ID for the college or university you will be enrolled at for the 25-26 academic year. This number may be used to have your award posted to your college account.
If the program you are enrolled in has changed, what is the name of your new degree program?
If your mental health services career objectives have changed, please provide a description of your new objectives.

Acknowledge & Submit

Your application is not yet complete. Please carefully read the information below and once you're ready, click submit to complete the application.
By signing below, you acknowledge the following:
- I certify that all statements and dates herein are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
- I understand that submission of an application alone does not confirm my eligibility and that additional documentation or information may be required. This information will be requested via the email provided. I will contact the scholarship team (see information below) if I need to update this information.
- I understand that if approved for a scholarship award for the 2025-2026 academic year, I will need to submit a renewal application by the application deadline next year to be considered to continue to receive funding. Additional information about renewal will be sent to all recipients, but prompt action will be required.
- The USHE scholarship office will communicate with me via the email address and/or phone number provided.
- I give permission for USHE scholarship employees to share information with the college/university I will attend for purposes of confirming eligibility, awarding, and administering the scholarship.
Signature*
If you have questions regarding any part of this application, the requirements for this program, or would like additional information, please contact scholarships@ushe.edu.
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2025-2026 First Responder Mental Health Services Grant

Applicant Information

Demographic Information

Eligibility Information - New Applicants

Eligibility Information - Renewal Applicants

Acknowledge & Submit