Frequently Asked Questions?
Supported by an award from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA), the North Texas Behavioral 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
The program is a six weeks long, 30 hours a week, 180 hours in total that last between June to July.
The HCOP Academy is open to students from high school through graduate school who are economically and/or educationally disadvantaged. To determine if you qualify, please review the specific eligibility requirements on the program's website.
To be eligible for the HCOP Program, an applicant can
- be a rising junior or senior in high school, or an incoming college freshman;
- have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.50
- be a resident of Denton County and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
- be a first generation college student
Participants enjoy a variety of perks to support personal and academic growth, including:
- Stipend for your hard work
- Near-peer and professional mentorship
- Academic and college advising
- Financial support with grants, loans, and aid
- Free daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and snacks)
- SAT/ACT test prep
- Certifications in Mental Health First Aid and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
These benefits help you develop valuable skills while preparing for college and your future career.
The HCOP program and application is offered at no cost. Instead, accepted ambassadors will receive a stipend at the conclusion of the program, which can be used at their discretion.
The stipend amount differs depending on your current academic level:
- Level 1/High School (rising juniors and seniors) receive $12 per hour, totaling $2,160 for the six-week program.
- Level 2/Pre-Matriculation (incoming college students) receive $15 per hour, totaling $2,700 for the six-week program.
You are permitted to miss an unlimited number of programming days; however, it is not advised to miss any. Please note that any hours missed on campus will result in a deduction from your stipend.
No. Accepted ambassadors will have to commute to and from The University of North Texas campus daily for programing.
No. The HCOP program does not offer college credit for participation. However, it provides valuable experience, mentorship, and professional development that can enhance your academic and career journey.
No. The HCOP Program will not have formal grading and there will be no homework required.
No. All programing will happen during the week Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm.