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Home About MHFA Research and Evidence Base Mental Health First Aid Doctoral Student Grants

Mental Health First Aid Doctoral Student Grants

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) USA Doctoral Student Grants represent a commitment by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to grow the research behind and evaluation of all MHFA programs. Each year, the grant will provide a one-time award of $5,000 to four outstanding full-time doctoral candidates who demonstrate significant potential as researchers in their fields of study and who are interested in evaluating the outcomes of MHFA trainings in the U.S.

Eligibility

  • Full-time doctoral student pursuing a degree in psychology, public health, or related field of study.
  • Previous evaluation experience and demonstrated ability to document findings through publications and/or presentations.
  • Documented experience with MHFA (e.g., as an MHFA Instructor or Coordinator) and/or strong interest in MHFA.
  • Bring a strong diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to their research, or explore a population’s experience with an MHFA program and recommend ways to make the curriculum more culturally relevant to that specific group.

Requirements

Once funded, doctoral grant recipients must:

  • Submit regular research updates to the MHFA team.
  • Participate in quarterly research calls with other grantees.
  • Submit a final report of research findings to the MHFA team within two years of receiving the grant.
  • Participate as a presenter at an MHFA-sponsored event highlighting research.
  • Pursue a formal publication or presentation opportunity. (MHFA- or National Council-sponsored opportunities, such as NatCon, the MHFA Summit or a MHFA Research Symposium, may be allowed).

Learn More

Application

The application will be posted to this page on May 21, 2021. The deadline for applying is June 18, 2021.

Interested doctoral students must apply to be considered for the grant. Successful applicants will demonstrate innovative ideas for measuring MHFA program outcomes and diverse program evaluation experience.

Awardee Selection

A committee of MHFA staff and external researchers will review all applications June 21-25, 2021. Finalist candidates will be interviewed by a panel, and the top four candidates will be awarded grants. Prior to receiving the grant funding, top candidates and their advisors must sign a memorandum of understanding committing to all requirements.

Important Dates

  • May 21, 2021: Grant application released
  • May 25, 2021: Learn More webinar
  • June 18, 2021, 11:59 p.m. ET: Grant application deadline
  • June 21-25, 2021: Grant applications reviewed and finalists selected
  • June 28-July 2, 2021: Finalists interviews
  • July 5-8, 2021: Awardees selected
  • July 9, 2021: Awardee announced
  • In July 2015, I had the opportunity to take a Mental Health First Aid course at WestCare Nevada. Little did I know that just a few days later I would be using the information and techniques I had learned in the class in a real life situation.” –Rick Denton
  • Hilda Marie’s worst nightmare was unfolding right before her eyes. Teetering at the edge of the platform was a woman poised to jump in front of an oncoming train. What would you do? For Hilda, there was no question. She turned to the skills she learned in the eight-hour Mental Health First Aid class she completed. ” –Hilda Marie
  • I recently got dispatched on a psychiatric call...because I took the Mental Health First Aid class, I knew not to take the attitude that she's crazy and was able to keep her calm.” –Sarah L., EMT
  • I’ve taken regular first aid, and I’ve used both, but certainly the opportunities to use Mental Health First Aid are much more abundant.” –Nathan Krause, Pastor, Olney Seventh-day Adventist Church, Maryland
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