CAMFT CA-Central Coast Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Focused Scholarship
for Pre-Licensed or Licensed Therapists

What is the goal of this scholarship and who is eligible to apply?

The goal of this scholarship is to support mental health professionals — licensed or unlicensed — who are working, living, or meaningfully contributing to the mental health and wellness of San Luis Obispo County residents, with a special emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work.

This may include professionals who are actively engaged in or have a strong demonstrated interest in:

•              Promoting access to mental health services for underserved or marginalized communities

•              Advocating for equity within mental health systems

•              Addressing systemic and structural barriers to mental wellness

•              Creating or participating in DEI-focused projects, initiatives, or community engagement

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is defined as:

Diversity refers to the presence of individuals from various backgrounds, encompassing differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, and other characteristics that make people unique.

Equity involves ensuring fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals, striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have historically led to unequal treatment.

Inclusion is the practice of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued, allowing them to fully participate.

These principles are foundational in fostering environments—whether in workplaces, educational settings, or communities—that embrace and celebrate differences, promote fairness, and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute.

Awards include a monetary prize for two winners and a one-year membership to the Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT (CCCAMFT). This initiative is also designed to foster deeper community involvement and encourage participation in the CCCAMFT chapter ’s work.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

•              Be a licensed or pre-licensed mental health professional (including students enrolled in a graduate program such as MFT, LPCC, Social Work, or associate/trainee-level professionals)

•              Hold or be working toward licensure under the California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

•              Demonstrate significant involvement in DEI-related mental health work, projects, or interests or have clear plans and goals to invest in this area in the near future.

You do not need to currently live or work in San Luis Obispo County, but you must demonstrate a concrete commitment to serving the mental health needs of SLO County residents through your work or future plans. You will be asked to describe your connection to SLO County and how your DEI values or experience intersect with the needs of this community.

Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CCCAMFT seeks to uplift diverse voices and experiences within the mental health profession, including those related to race, ethnicity, culture, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, neurodivergence, and ability.

Ethics Statement:

All applications will be reviewed through a fair and unbiased multi-round judging process comprised of licensed mental health professionals. Identifying information will be redacted prior to review to ensure the selection process is as anonymous and unbiased as possible.

Entry Rules:

•              Only one application per person per year

•              Previous applicants may reapply with new material (past winners of this specific scholarship are ineligible)

•              Written answers must be the original work of the applicant

•              Applications must be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font

•              Submit applications by emailing to Jamie Dunn, LMFT (board member at large who is coordinating scholarships): jamiedunnmft@gmail.com, or mail to:

Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT
PO Box 12723
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

Applications Open: 5/1/25

Deadline for submission: 6/15/25 by midnight PST, any submissions not received by this deadline will not be included in the application pool
Winners announced: 8/1/25 or before
Award disbursement: Following announcement of winners

The Award:

Two awards will be given in the amount of $1,250 each

All winners will also receive one year of free membership to CCCAMFT. (Please note: State-level CAMFT membership is required for CCCAMFT membership and is not covered by this scholarship.)

Following the selection process, recipients will be invited to share a statement or short bio — written by them or drafted by the Board — for use on CCCAMFT’s website and social media, to help inspire future applicants and spotlight community leadership in DEI work.

COMPLETE SUBMISSIONS MUST INCLUDE:

A.) Application Form

B.) Release Form

C.) Five Paragraph Responses

D.) One Letter of Recommendation

E.) One of the Following: Proof of School Enrollment in a Master's Program in the Mental Health Field or BBS Registration as an Associate or Licensed Therapist

Download Application Here