At Lee Health, we believe every child should have access to compassionate, quality mental healthcare, supported by a skilled workforce. In Southwest Florida, we continue to experience a shortage of licensed mental health providers, making it more critical than ever to develop and support the next generation of care professionals.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are proud to offer a solution – the Kids’ Minds Matter: Florida Continuing Education Scholarship. Managed in partnership with Bold.org and Lee Health, this is a significant opportunity for graduate students at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) pursuing careers as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) to receive essential support as they enhance their knowledge and expertise.
More than financial assistance, this scholarship is a valuable investment in the future of pediatric mental and behavioral healthcare in our region. The scholarship assists graduate students who are committed to advancing their education and passionate about giving back to our community. Many of these students have their own personal or lived experiences that have shaped their desire to care for and serve others in Southwest Florida.
Scholarship applicants must demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for the mental healthcare field, a strong academic background, and an interest in interning or working with Lee Health, a key partner in the mission of Kids’ Minds Matter. Through this program, we are helping ensure that more children and teens have access to the care they need, provided by mental health professionals who understand their unique circumstances and challenges.
As part of the application process, graduate students are required to respond to two essay prompts:
- What inspired your path to pursuing further education at FGCU, and how has your academic or professional journey prepared you for a career in mental health?
- What drives your interest in pediatric mental health, and how do you hope to make an impact in Southwest Florida through your career and potential work with Lee Health?
Finalists will then be invited to participate in an in-person interview during the selection process.
How to Apply
FGCU students enrolled in the LMHC or LCSW programs are eligible to apply online at Bold.org. The application requires background information and two essays, each with a maximum length of 500 words.
Scholarship applications undergo rolling reviews, so interested students should apply early. The upcoming application deadline is July 15, 2025, and the winner(s) will be announced on August 15, 2025.