MESA, Arizona — April 27, 2023 — Family Involvement Center (FIC) and the Mesa Community College Social Work Program are accepting applications for the FIC-MCC Parent Peer Support Social Work Scholarship Stipend Program through May 15, 2023. The program seeks participants who are in recovery from opioid use or addiction wishing to launch a career helping others with similar life experiences.

Initially launched in fall 2020, the program, created as part of a four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to FIC, is designed specifically to develop careers for individuals based on their life experiences so they may help others dealing with similar circumstances.

"More than 36 parents have successfully completed or are in the process of completing the program thus far – transforming their struggles into strengths and a new career,” said Dori DiPietro, director of the MCC Social Work program. “We hope these future Parent Peer Support Specialists will find their new careers rewarding and continue their education at MCC.”

FIC provides support services and resources to ensure participant success during the two-year training program.

A recent graduate of the program shared "I love that the entire idea behind the program is purely to support people and to provide them an opportunity to do something meaningful. They believe that even a person who has scraped the bottom of their bottom is worth an amazing opportunity - so much so that they ensure this person has the tools to be successful. And that is such a beautiful thing!”

Participants selected for the program receive a year of college tuition covering the cost of Live Online social work courses at MCC, a computer to access classes and a monthly stipend to cover the cost of internet service and other expenses to remove barriers to participating in the program. After completing the first year of classes, which includes work experience through an internship at FIC, participants are eligible to apply for a paid position in an FIC apprenticeship program, continuing education guidance and job placement assistance.

"Life experiences -- which are typically categorized as shameful -- serve as a strength in this program,” said Jane Kallal, FIC executive director. “This is the most rewarding work – reducing the stigma surrounding recovery – encouraging those struggling through the process to see new possibilities while building careers in child welfare.”

Ideal program participants are parents who have lived experiences with the child welfare system, who have earned a high school or general education diploma, have lived in Arizona for at least 12 months and can commit to completing course expectations, attending twice weekly online classes and completing homework. Social work is the nation's No. 1 helping profession and the MCC Social Work Program is the top contributor of quality social work students to schools of social work in Arizona.

Visit mesacc.edu\social-work to learn more and apply to participate in this innovative, community-driven, career-building opportunity.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.