St. Scholastica’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program will receive significant funding over the next five years to help students practice as mental health providers.
The university’s program was awarded $3.9 million in grants over the next five years through the U.S. Department of Education. In addition to mental health services, the funds prepare students to meet the mental health needs of communities characterized by rural isolation, poverty, poor behavioral health, and lack of mental health providers.
In a statement, CSS President Barbara McDonald said this is the largest single grant the university has ever received. “We are very proud of our grants office for making this funding possible for occupational therapy faculty and staff, and our students. We look forward to realizing the positive impact it will have on the twin port community where needs intersect.”
St. Scholastica expands its services by partnering with five high-need school districts in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. These include the Senior School District, the Duluth Public School District, the Paul Bunyan Cooperative, the Northern Lights Cooperative, and the Duluth Public School Academy.
This grant will enhance didactic and experiential learning opportunities for St. Scholastica OT graduate students and support the development and implementation of a fellowship program focused on pediatric mental health through the American Occupational Therapy Association.
