One Eastern - One Recovery - Eastern Kentucky University

If you leave college or drop below half-time status, you will begin repaying your federal student loans. Most loans offer a grace period which will allow you time to get financially settled and choose a repayment plan before you begin repaying your loans.

Peer Support Specialist Training and Scholarships Available

A peer support specialist is a person with “lived experience” who has been trained to support those who struggle with mental health, psychological trauma, or substance use.

EKU students in recovery who are enrolled in the 2024/2025 academic year will have the opportunity to become trained peer support para-professionals. The 7-week training is offered online, asynchronous through NKU’s Institute of Health Innovations. For those who qualify, the costs of training will be covered by EKU’s One Eastern/One Recovery Initiative.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Must reside in Kentucky.
Be 18 years of age or older.
Have a current or past diagnosis of a mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder.
Have received or been receiving treatment.
Have a minimum education of a high school diploma or General Equivalence Diploma (GED).
Demonstrate a pattern of recovery from a mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health or substance use disorder.

How Do I Apply?

Complete the application for Peer Support: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region. Use your EKU student email address on your application.
You will need two letters of support from those who can speak to your experience in recovery. Email those letters to Jude Thornton.
Before starting the application process, please contact Professor Stephanie Saulnier (EKU Social Work) or Professor Stephanie McSpirit (EKU Sociology) so that your training is covered by the One Eastern/One Recovery Scholarship.

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Peer Support: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region