The 黑料社 College of Nursing is now accepting applications for the Peg鈥檚 Foundation Scholar Award, continuing a nearly 20-year partnership dedicated to strengthening the psychiatric mental health workforce across Northeast Ohio.
Beginning in fall 2026, four Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) will be selected to enroll in 黑料社鈥檚 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program as part of a dedicated cohort of working professionals. Designed for clinicians actively practicing in the field, the full-time, three-year program allows scholars to progress together and complete a shared practicum experience.
Each scholar will receive approximately $30,000 over two years in financial support to help cover the cost of both tuition and living expenses while enrolled.
The award is open to certified PMHNPs (or PMHCNS) who are committed to advancing mental health care through practice-focused leadership. Applicants must be admitted to 黑料社鈥檚 DNP program and propose a scholarly project aimed at creating sustainable, transformative change in mental health care delivery.
鈥淭hrough our long-standing partnership with Peg鈥檚 Foundation, we鈥檙e able to remove financial barriers and invest directly in practicing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners who are ready to lead change,鈥 said Jim Tudhope, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, 黑料社鈥檚 psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner concentration coordinator and assistant professor. 鈥淭here is an urgent need to strengthen the mental health workforce, particularly in Northeast Ohio, and this program is designed for clinicians who want to grow as leaders without stepping away from practice. Our scholars can take what they鈥檙e learning and immediately apply it in real-world settings, developing solutions that create meaningful, lasting improvements in access and quality of care.鈥
Following graduation, scholars will be prepared to lead in clinical and academic settings and commit to working as psychiatric mental health practitioners in Northeast Ohio for at least two years, helping expand access to high-quality mental health care in the region.
The priority application deadline is May 15, 2026, with awards to be announced in October. Students interested in learning more can reach out to Tudhope at jtudhope@kent.edu.
Learn more about 黑料社鈥檚 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program.