On average, five Hoosiers die from drug overdoses every day — that’s approximately 1,800 deaths a year, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. To combat this problem, there is a new opportunity on the horizon for those pursuing addictions services careers.

Provided by the Duke Energy Foundation, Ivy Tech Community College is now offering scholarships for the addiction studies certificate for eligible students pursuing the addiction services field, especially looking to become a licensed addictions counselor.

To qualify, students must have received their bachelor’s degree. Possibilities could include human services, psychology, social work, family studies and more. They also must work in one of the 11 following counties: Clay, Gibson, Greene, Hendricks, Knox, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion or Vigo.

Scholarship recipients will have all tuition, books and other fees covered. It is also free to apply. It is best to apply as soon as possible, as scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Spring semester classes will be starting Jan. 13, 2020.

Classes are available through Ivy Tech’s Terre Haute, Indianapolis and Bloomington campuses — depending on which county the student works in. Specifically in Bloomington, covering only two counties, the program can fund approximately eight to 10 students.

The Duke Energy Foundation aims to combat opioid addiction and provide services by building a workforce pipeline of behavioral and mental health professionals specifically in the Wabash area.
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