Nazareth's psychology school to offer grad students stipends for school district internships

June 15, 2026 - 15:17

The School of Psychology at Nazareth University has launched a new financial incentive aimed at graduate students who commit to working in local school districts. Under the program, eligible students enrolled in the university's graduate psychology program will receive a $25,000 stipend to support their internship placements within area schools.

University officials say the initiative is designed to address a growing need for mental health professionals in educational settings. School districts across the region have reported difficulty hiring enough psychologists and counselors to meet student demand, particularly in under-resourced communities. By offering the stipend, Nazareth hopes to attract more graduate students to the field and keep them in the region after graduation.

The stipend will be available to students in both the school psychology and clinical mental health counseling tracks. Interns will work directly with students, teachers, and families, gaining hands-on experience while providing critical support services. The program also includes mentorship from experienced school psychologists and faculty supervisors.

Nazareth's move comes as state and federal agencies push for expanded mental health services in schools. Administrators believe the stipend model could serve as a blueprint for other universities looking to bridge the gap between graduate training and community needs. Applications for the first cohort of stipend recipients are now open.