To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents in the U.S.

2. Current PES student in good academic standing, preferably with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Eligible programs include School Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or School Psychology.

3. Commitment to working with children in high-need schools.

4. Ability to complete one semester of the required practicum, field experience, externship, or internship in Fall. The placement will be in one of our partnering high-need schools.

5. Completion of the field experience/externship/internship is necessary to fulfill program degree requirements. Applicants should check with their program faculty/advisor for specific requirements, including the minimum number of direct service hours and on-site supervision.

Notes: 

1. If selected, cohort students are eligible for funding support, irrespective of whether they have been awarded a GSE graduate assistantship now or in the following year. Please read the FAQs section for more detailed information. 

2. Note that grant funds will not be released until you have completed the required paperwork confirming your placement site for Fall 2026.

*Students enrolled in the following field experience/practicum courses in Fall 2026 are eligible for Cohort 4: 

For Mental Health Counseling and Counseling Psychology PhD Students: 

• PGSE 6651 (Mental Health Field Exp. I)

For School Counseling Students:

• PGSE 6652 (School Counseling Field Exp. I) 

For School Psychology Students: 

• PGSE 7480 (Advanced Intern in School Psych I)

• PGSE 7510 (School Psychology Externship I)

• PGSE 7482 (Advanced Certificate Internship in Bilingual School Psychology I) 

• PSGE 7500 Clinical Practicum School Psychology 

• PSGE 7502 Consultation Practicum School Psychology 

• And any course that requires a school-based placement