Handbooks
Handbook is currently being updated for 2025–26 and will be available soon.
Handbook is currently being updated for 2025–26 and will be available soon.
Handbook is currently being updated for 2025–26 and will be available soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Internship Requirements
Other than completing my internship hours, will I have other obligations during my internship?
Yes, as a Project RAISE intern, you will be expected to participate in a few activities designed to enrich your internship experience. More specifically, interns and supervisors will be required to attend a Welcome/Kick-Off event (expected to be scheduled in mid to late July of every year) and monthly (virtual) Community of Practice meetings. Interns may also be required to respond to requests to participate in/provide response to opportunities for data collection (interns will be notified of specific requirements that may include surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups; such requests have been determined to be a necessary component for project development and continued grant funding).
What happens if I am offered a job-embedded placement during my internship?
If you choose to accept a job-embedded placement, you will be able to continue to participate in Project RAISE, but will no longer be eligible to receive funds. You will not need to pay back funds previously received if employment requirements are fulfilled.
Post-Internship Requirements
Can I take time off between completing my internship and beginning the first year of the two-year commitment?
Our intent is that employment will begin immediately after completion of the internship, but we understand that there may be unique circumstances where this may not be possible. Please notify us as soon as possible if you do not expect to seek/obtain employment immediately after your internship ends.
Am I required to take a job in the same district after my internship?
Generally, yes. While employment is not guaranteed after a Project RAISE internship, participants are strongly encouraged to accept a position, if available/offered. The school districts affiliated with Project RAISE have identified a demonstrated need for school-based mental health providers and have engaged with our project to remedy the ongoing shortage; therefore, the intent is that as a Project RAISE participant you will recognize this priority and commit to filling a vacancy in the district. This is part of the overall obligation when accepting Project RAISE funds.
What if I am unable to accept a job offer from the school district due to personal/extenuating circumstances?
We understand that there may be unique/unforeseen circumstances that impact a participant’s ability to accept a job offer from the school district after their internship. In such cases, the participant is strongly encouraged to notify their supervisor/district administrator of these circumstances as soon as they arise, and will need to provide details of the extenuating circumstances to Project RAISE as federal grant reporting requires understanding of job placement decisions.
My internship experience was amazing, but I was not offered a job opportunity to work with the school district. What should I do next?
Unfortunately, not all Project RAISE interns will be offered a job opportunity from their district after their internship experience. For those participants in this position, you will need to seek an opportunity in another rural/Project RAISE district. If you are unable to relocate at this time, we know that many Project RAISE districts neighbor other rural/Project RAISE districts; therefore, you should first inquire about/apply for/accept a position in one of these districts, rather than deferring to non-rural/non-Project RAISE districts. Due to project requirements to recruit and retain school-based mental health providers in rural districts with demonstrated need, we will require proof that you have taken reasonable steps to seek an opportunity in another rural/Project RAISE district prior to accepting a position with a non-rural district.
I have trained/am licensed as a school counselor/school psychologist/school social worker, but I am interested in applying for another position that I think I am qualified for with my experience. If I am hired for this position, will I meet my Project RAISE requirements?
Unfortunately, no. While we understand the value and respect the work of school staff members and providers in closely-related positions, our project requirements specifically target the recruitment and retention of school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers. We are not able to support school staff members and providers who work in other positions and therefore individual project requirements will not be satisfied in this scenario.