Certified Wellness Coach Scholarship Program
Get up to $35,000 to become a Certified Wellness Coach in California!
"When I think of a Wellness Coach, I think of someone that is there for people."
Kaliya M. | High School Student | Red Bluff, CA
Are you passionate about supporting youth mental health and well-being?
The Wellness Coach Scholarship Program (WCSP) offers a life-changing opportunity to pursue your dream of becoming a Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) and making a lasting impact in your community.
With scholarships of up to $35,000, WCSP supports students enrolled in associate or bachelor’s degree programs that lead to Wellness Coach Certification. In exchange, recipients commit to a 12-month service obligation providing essential CWC services to children and youth in California. Together, we can create a healthier and more vibrant future for California’s communities.
What’s a Wellness Coach?
About the Scholarship
The Wellness Coach Scholarship Program (WCSP) is your opportunity to launch a meaningful career as a Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) in California.
- What’s in it for you?
Receive up to $35,000 in scholarships to fund your associate or bachelor’s degree program and gain the credentials you need to become certified as a wellness coach. - Your Impact:
In exchange for this scholarship, you’ll commit to a rewarding 12-month service obligation, providing vital wellness coaching services in communities across California.
This scholarship is designed to increase the number of Certified Wellness Coaches making a difference in the lives of Californians. Take the first step toward a fulfilling career and a healthier California—No essay required!
"I think people are just starting to realize how important it is and breaking this stigma around mental health."
Penelope H. | High School Student | Los Angeles, CA
Why Become a Certified Wellness Coach?
Meet a Growing Need
California’s children and youth are facing a mental health crisis. Certified Wellness Coaches provide critical support through prevention and early intervention services, ensuring young people receive the care they need where they live, study, and work.
Empower Communities
| As a Certified Wellness Coach, you’ll help bridge the gap in behavioral health services by delivering non-clinical care such as: |
|---|
| Wellness promotion and education |
| Screening |
| Care coordination |
| Individual and group support |
| Crisis referral |
No Advanced Degree Required
With an associate or bachelor’s degree, you can begin a fulfilling career in wellness coaching and make a real difference in the lives of young people.
"We can begin to make a mindset change about mental health and wellness."
Sharonda W. | Certified Wellness Coach | Elk Grove, CA
Scholarship Details
What Does it Cover?
| The WCSP offers up to $35,000 to cover eligible education costs, including: |
|---|
| Tuition and fees |
| Housing, books, and supplies |
| Transportation and dependent care (if applicable) |
Eligibility Requirements
| Applicants must: |
|---|
| Be accepted or enrolled in an accredited associate or bachelor’s degree program in fields such as Addiction Studies, Human Services, Social Work, or Psychology (see full list below). |
| Commit to providing 12 months of Certified Wellness Coach services in California upon graduation. |
Eligible Programs of Study
Pursue your passion in one of these fields:
| Addiction Studies: | Addiction Disorder Studies; Addiction Disorder Counseling; Addiction Counseling; Alcohol & Drug Studies; Chemical Dependency & Counseling; Durg & Alcohol Paraprofessional; Substance Use. |
| Human Services: | Mental Health Worker; Human Services: Alcohol & Drug Studies; Human Services Paraprofessional; Community Social Services; Community Studies; colaborative Health and Human Services; Human Development. |
| Social Work: | Social Work & Human Services; Social Work, Human Services, & Counseling |
| Psychology: | Psychology of Substance Abuse; Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis; Counseling Psychology; Psychology – Behavior Analysis |
Your Path to Certification
Certified Wellness Coach I
- Degree: Associate degree from a California Community College (completed within the last six years).
- Field Experience*: 400 hours of pre-clinical behavioral health services (minimum 150 hours required at application).
Certified Wellness Coach II
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree from a California college or university (completed within the last six years).
- Field Experience*: 800 hours of pre-clinical behavioral health services (minimum 300 hours required at application).
*Hours can be completed during or after your degree program through internships, volunteer work, or relevant employment.
Key Dates
| Application Opens: | January 2, 2025, at 3:00 PM |
| Informational Webinar: | January 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM |
| Application Deadline: | February 13, 2025, at 3:00 PM |
| Award Notice Date: | April 1, 2025 |
| Service Obligation Start Date: | September 1, 2025 |
Service Obligation
| Recipients must fulfill their 12-month service obligation in settings that support the behavioral health needs of children and youth, such as: |
|---|
| Schools (public K-12 and higher education) |
| Community health centers |
| Non-profit behavioral health organizations |
| Tribal communities |
"Our California youth need more support."
Samantha M. | Certified Wellness Coach | Riverside, CA
How to Apply
- Check Your Eligibility: Ensure your program and experience meet the requirements.
- Prepare Your Application: Gather necessary documents, including proof of enrollment and field experience.
- Submit Your Application: Applications are open from January 2 to February 13, 2025.
Certification is free upon program completion!
Transform Lives Today!
Take the first step toward a rewarding career as a Certified Wellness Coach. Applications open soon, so don’t miss your chance to make a difference in California’s future.
Subscribe
Join the Workforce Programs Update mailing list to receive program announcements.