Outreach Training Institute awards a limited number of partial scholarships and income-based financial aid for our CASAC training programs. Highest priority is given to those who apply early. Additional opportunities are offered through a variety of funding partners including the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Education Department ACCES-VR.
All applications for scholarships and financial aid are reviewed by an admissions committee. Submission of financial documents are are required to determine eligibility for income-based partial tuition coverage. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to employment and have the potential for career advancement in the substance abuse treatment field during and beyond their time at Outreach Training Institute.
When any scholarship is awarded, recipients must meet certain requirements to maintain good standing, demonstrating satisfactory progress towards graduation and CASAC credentialing. We also offer monthly installment plans for tuition payment.
The Suffolk County Workforce Development Scholarships (SCWDS)
The Suffolk County Department of Health has established full scholarships for Suffolk County residents who wish to obtain CASAC certification at OTI, out of the first phase of the Opioid Settlement funds in Suffolk County.
Scholarships will cover the full cost of all coursework for recipients, valued at $5,950 per person. In addition, 40 students will receive paid internships at Outreach, with each receiving a stipend of $1,500.
The Suffolk County Workforce Development Scholarships (SCWDS) will be targeted at individuals seeking to pursue their CASAC certification and who have demonstrated an interest and passion for helping people in the Suffolk County community. These individuals might be those who work in the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and Office of Mental Health (OMH) programs, human and social service agencies, or at health facilities. They may have been involved in volunteer work in their communities and/or religious, civic, or cultural institutions. They could be individuals in recovery who provide peer-to-peer support to others.
Two programs will be funded, the full 350-clock hour program needed to obtain CASAC certification and a 135-hour program for master’s level social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, creative arts therapists, and psychoanalysts.
ACCES-VR
Applicants who are eligible and approved for ACCES-VR benefits can attend Outreach Training Institute at no cost. Funding is sponsored by the New York State Education Department, a longtime funding partner with OTI. Following ACCES-VR enrollment, candidates are invited to participate in OTI’s standard admissions process. Contact your local county office for more information. You can also visit the ACCES-VR website here.
Financial Aid – ODC Workforce Development Scholarship
Our current tuition rates are as follows:
- 350Hr CASAC Program – $5,950.00
- 135Hr CASAC Program – $2,295.00
Individuals applying for the 350Hr CASAC Training Program with an annual income not exceeding $28,000 can apply for the ODC Workforce Development Scholarship, which covers 25%-50% of the tuition costs. Monthly installment plans are available to cover the remaining $2975.00 – $4,462.50 tuition amount. *Applicants must demonstrate financial need, commitment to employment in the substance abuse treatment field, and the potential for career advancement in the field, as determined by the Admissions Committee.
Please note: If accepted, students must submit the first two (2) installment payments up front, and the remaining 8 payments to be made on the 1st or 15th of each month thereafter; depending on the enrollment date of the student.
Please see our Partial Scholarship Eligibility Scale below to determine whether you are eligible for either a 25% or 50% partial scholarship.
Please note there are NO partial scholarships awarded for the 135Hr CASAC Program.
If you wish to apply for our CASAC training programs, please refer to our CASAC Training page for more information and how to apply.
