Central Valley Journalism Collaborative
Like many students working on a masters degree program in behavioral health, Allie De Avellar knew she would be required to work an internship to complete her degree.
Also like many students, she was worried because those hours are typically unpaid — requiring 40 hours of work a week for about three months without additional financial support. Most students end up working side jobs during what little time off they have to get by.
But De Avellar was among the first group of masters students to receive a paid internship, as well as a partial scholarship, through a $5.2 million initiative designed to get more behavioral health professionals working in San Joaquin County.
“I can honestly tell you I am where I am now because those funds were available to me. That’s the truth,” De Avellar said. “Because I was able to be at a paid internship, I was able to focus on that and not worry about outside work. Winning the scholarship allowed me to have breathing room, to leave my other job and switch to a job in my field. I now have the career that I want.”