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North Texas Behavioral Health Careers Opportunity Program

Six-week Summer Academy
at the University of North Texas

About HCOP

Supported by an award from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) within U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the North Texas Behavioral Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) seeks to address unmet needs related to behavioral health in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex including: 

Health and behavioral disparities fueled by poverty and lack of educational opportunities

A shortage of behavioral health providers from disadvantaged backgrounds (i.e., specifically economic, and educational)

A lack of support for disadvantaged students moving across the high school, pre-matriculation, post-baccalaureate and behavioral health profession pipeline

As a direct response to these issues, the North Texas Behavioral HCOP will (a) provide academic support and enrichment activities to help students succeed in their studies, (b) offer mentorship and counseling to guide students on their career paths, (c) facilitate clinical experience in underserved communities to prepare students for real-world practice, (d) prepare students for health professions school admissions through targeted training and support.

  • Comprehensive Academic Support: Access to tutoring, mentorship, and academic advising to help you succeed in your studies.
  • Clinical Experience in Underserved Communities: Opportunities to gain hands-on experience in providing mental health services to those who need it most.
  • Financial Assistance: Receive a stipend to help alleviate the financial burden.
  • Career Development: Guidance on “soft skills” and networking to prepare you for a successful career.
  • Impactful Work: Make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals struggling with mental health issues.
  • Community: Be part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about behavioral health.
  • Career Advancement: Gain the skills and experience you need to advance into a behavioral health career.
  • A US citizen and/or an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the US, or any other “qualified alien” under section 431(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-193 (individuals on temporary or student visas are NOT eligible).
  • From an “economically or educationally disadvantaged” background as defined by the HRSA for those who meet two or more of the following criteria:
    • Were or currently are homeless, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
    • Were or currently are in the foster care system, as defined by the Administration for Children and Families.
    • Were or currently are eligible for Federal Pell grant.
    • Were or currently a McNair Scholar.
    • Were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years.
    • Family of origin received public assistance (e.g., food stamps, housing assistance, heating assistance, etc.)
    • Have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree.
    • Family of origin was/is a low-income family/household (i.e., income no more than 200% of poverty level as defined by the Federal register:
Persons in family/household Income Level
1 $31,300
2 $42,300
3 $53,300
4 $64,300
5 $75,300
6 $86,300
7 $97,300
8 $108,300
For families with more than 8 persons, add $11,000 for each additional person.

HCOP Program Levels

High School Ambassadors

Summer high school program targeting income eligible rising high school juniors and seniors.

Pre-Matriculation Ambassadors

Summer undergraduate program targeting college bound high school graduates .

Post-baccalaureate Ambassadors

Summer post-baccalaureate program targeting students who have earned an undergraduate degree with a behavioral science focus.

Doctoral Ambassadors

Health service psychology profession students completing their second or third year of doctoral training.