The purpose of the BHWET Program for Paraprofessionals is to develop and expand community-based experiential training to increase the supply of students preparing to become peer support specialists and other behavioral health-related paraprofessionals while also improving distribution of a quality behavioral health workforce. A special focus is placed on the knowledge and understanding of the specific concerns of children, adolescents, and transitional-aged youth in high need and high demand areas at risk for behavioral health disorders.

For the purposes of this program, eligible applicants include: • State-licensed mental health nonprofit and for-profit organizations (see definition in Section VII). These organizations must be able to support programs for Level I pre-service, and Level II in-service, as applicable, training of peer support specialists and other behavioral health-related paraprofessionals. • For the purposes of this NOFO, these organizations may include academic institutions, including universities, community colleges, and technical schools. Native American tribal organizations may meet this definition if appropriately licensed by an applicable Tribal government or political subdivision. Note: Individuals are not eligible to apply under this NOFO. In addition to the 50 states, eligible entities include the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Domestic faith-based and community-based organizations, tribes, and tribal organizations may also apply for these funds, if otherwise eligible. Current BHWET award recipients whose grants are scheduled to end on August 31, 2021 are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. If funded, for-profit organizations are prohibited from earning profit from the federal award (45 CFR part 75.216(b)).

Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration BHWET-Para@hrsa.gov