New Grants Awarded
FDU was awarded two new grants that will help the University strengthen its efforts to educate and nurture a skilled and robust workforce in the fields of behavioral health and education.
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program
This new HRSA grant of $600,000 per year for four years — totaling $2.4 million —was awarded to the Fairleigh Dickinson University Educating the Next Generation to Advance Growth through Empowerment and Diversity (FDU ENGAGED) program by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
According to Carolynn Julien, associate provost for research and sponsored projects (Metro), FDU ENGAGED involves a collaboration among the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Henry P. Becton College of Nursing and Allied Health and the College of Psychology and Counseling) that “will increase the supply of a diverse behavioral health workforce who are trained to provide integrated behavioral health care and committed to work in high-need and high-demand areas, specifically Essex, Monmouth, Passaic and Union counties in New Jersey.”
The HRSA grant, which started on July 1, is led by Zakia Clay, social work, and director, Master of Social Work program (Flor). Other team members include Andrea Cole, social work (Flor); Erika Oak, psychology (Metro); Nicole Zmuda, social work (Flor); and Annie Rohan, nursing, and dean, nursing/allied health (Metro/Flor).
It builds upon the previous HRSA grant, which will end on September 29, by expanding offerings of interprofessional education and training along with support to graduate students and professionals who are providing behavioral health services to at-risk children, adolescents and young adults.
New Jersey Department of Education
Paraprofessional Alternate Route Education Program
The New Jersey Department of Education has awarded FDU a one-year grant for $247,987 for its Paraprofessional Alternate Route Education (PARE) Program, which supports 10 paraprofessionals in becoming certified teachers through the University’s alternate-route program.
“Under the PARE Program, participants receive full tuition for graduate coursework, exam prep, mentoring and professional development while continuing to work,” Julien said. “Delivered online in the evenings and weekends, the program includes wellness resources and career support.” FDU PARE aims to address critical teacher shortages in the Teaneck and Bogota school districts in New Jersey.
The team is led by Kathryn Spence, education and director, education (Metro/Flor), with the support of Dana Baker, education; and Melissa Smith, education and QUEST director (both Metro).