TEACH Project | New Mexico State University - BE BOLD. Shape the Future.

Training and Education Across Clinics and Hospitals (TEACH)

Project TEACH is funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Resource and Services Administration (HRSA) under the Bureau of Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program for Professionals. This program was created to increase the supply of behavioral health professionals while also improving distribution of a quality behavioral health workforce and thereby increasing access to behavioral health services. A special focus is placed on the knowledge and understanding of children, adolescents, and transitional-aged youth at risk for behavioral health disorders.

https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/find-funding/HRSA-21-089

Mission

Project TEACH aims to expand local behavioral health care provider organizations with a well-trained workforce that ultimately supports improved behavioral health outcomes for the area’s most underserved patients. Through in-field student training (clinical component), didactic trainings (through course work or workshops), existing provider training and active recruitment of diverse trainees into the program.

The Mission of Project TEACH is to meet the needs of vulnerable populations of Southern New Mexico and surrounding areas. As TEACH scholars, Clinical Mental Health Counselors, and Masters of Social Work trainees are offered an experiential, didactic and practical curriculum in which trainees learn about inter-professional teamwork while providing culturally responsive, integrated primary care services.

TEACH scholars receive a one-year training in the principles and best practices of interdisciplinary practice by completing a year in seminars, workshops, fieldwork, and clinical experiences. Each scholar is awarded a stipend of $10,000. Funds are distributed and released by New Mexico State University’s financial aid.

Who is eligible to apply?

Graduate students enrolled in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Masters in Social Work program.
Graduate students who are completing their last year of training.
Graduate students completing a field placement in a primary care site aimed at providing services to children, youth or transitional young adults.
Graduates students completing a field placement in an interdisciplinary setting.
Graduate students who are in good academic standing.

When should I apply?

Prior to applying, you should review all information related to the grant including the application, “Letter of Commitment” and Informational Sheet.
Application should be submitted only after you have secured placement at an integrated care setting or primary care.
The application deadline: : Late Summer

How do I apply?

The following materials should be submitted to Shanna Salazar-Sanchez at shanna@nmsu.edu.
- Completed Application
- Letter of Intent- This letter should detail your interest in the program and should discuss your career goals and how the TEACH Project stipend will help you achieve those goals, your commitment to the project, and your plans to pursue a behavioral health career upon graduation.
- Resume/Curriculum Vita
- Signed “Letter of Commitment and Compliance Agreement” form
All forms can be requested from Shanna Salazar-Sanchez at shanna@nmsu.edu

What is the course of study for this grant? (MSW)

During first semester:
- Enrollment and completion of Field Practicum 1 & Seminar
- Completion of minimum of 250 hours in field.
- TEACH: Enrollment and completion of Integrated Behavioral Health Seminar (fall and spring). -1 credit course
- Complete 4 trainings related to interdisciplinary work or primary care (community trainings) ***
During second semester:
- Enrollment and completion of Field Practice II & Seminar
- Completion of minimum 250 hours.
- TEACH: Enrollment and completion of Integrated Behavioral Health Seminar (fall and spring).- 1 credit
- Complete 4 trainings related to interdisciplinary work or primary care (community trainings) ***
  
  ***Completion of 8 Community trainings one for each month in the program. (Each scholar is responsible for submitting a certificate of completion for each training
  
  Please see the commitment letter for a more detailed description of scholar expectations.