PA Mental Health Education Learning Program in Schools (PA HELPS)
Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
Check datesService scholarship
The catch: Work at least 3 years in a Pennsylvania school in your field after finishing; repayment terms are on the official page.
Paid school-based internships ($2,500-$25,000) for future school psychologists, counselors, social workers and nurses who commit to 3 years in PA schools.
- How much
- $2,500-$25,000 during the internship by field, plus a possible $5,000 commitment award
- Who qualifies
- Accepted to an internship at a participating Pennsylvania LEA
- Current PA resident; enrolled in a PDE-approved Educational Specialist Preparation Program; agree to work at a PA LEA in the field for at least 3 years after completing the program.
- For grad students
- For school psychology, school counseling, school social work students
- When to apply
- Check dates LEA applies each award year; no student deadline published.
- How to apply
- You don't apply directly: your internship school entity (LEA) applies to PHEAA, then submits an Intern Application for you with its internship agreement with your college
- What you'll need
- school nomination
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (pheaa.org), page 2 and page 3
The details
State funds sent to a participating Pennsylvania school entity (district, IU, CTE, charter or cyber charter) that must use 100% of it to pay the intern. Award during internship: school psychologist $25,000; school counselor $10,000; school social worker $10,000; school nurse $2,500. After working 3 years in a PA school in their field, interns may be eligible for a $5,000 commitment award.
More money from Pennsylvania
- PA Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP)up to $6,000 (currently), or unmet need if less
- Pennsylvania State Grantup to $6,000 per year (2026-27 maximum)
- PA Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS)up to $3,000 full-time / $1,500 part-time in total RTSS + PA State Grant awards (2026-27); minimum $500
- Pennsylvania Internship Program (PIP) at The Washington Center$4,000-$11,000 per term depending on school type and term (anticipated 2027); short-term programs up to $2,500
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.