SULLIVAN — A state funded scholarship program aimed at growing New York’s addiction services workforce is opening new doors for Sullivan County residents pursuing careers in substance use treatment—with SUNY Sullivan serving as a key educational provider.

The Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program (APSP), overseen by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), offers full scholarships to eligible residents seeking credentials such as Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) among other substance abuse related certifications.

The program also supports associate and bachelor’s degrees in addiction studies. Launched in 2023 and expanded on July 28 with an additional $2 million from the state’s opioid settlement fund, the program has supported more than 1,300 individuals statewide, according to OASAS. Melissa Stickle, Deputy Commissioner for Sullivan County’s Department of Health and Human Services, confirmed that SUNY Sullivan participates in the initiative.

 She noted that for a county with persistently high rates of overdose and substance use disorder, the program represents an opportunity to address local service gaps by supporting the training of qualified professionals. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science in Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling, a credential-qualifying program that includes both academic coursework and real-world practicum, preparing students for careers in addiction treatment and recovery services.

“OASAS scholarship funding covers tuition, fees, and certification costs, and even provides stipends for internships— making credentialing accessible to local residents,” Stickle said.

Jason Kaplan, Interim Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at SUNY Sullivan, said the program was revived at the college in Fall 2024, thanks in part to OASAS support. He said interest is rising, with a significant jump in registrations expected for the Fall 2025 semester.

“We’re looking to grow the program significantly,” Kaplan said. “A lot of the students who come to us have a personal connection to the issue. They want to do something meaningful and help their community.”

Kaplan said many students are motivated by personal experience and a desire to give back to their community, and he expects that a significant number of graduates will stay in Sullivan County to help meet the region’s ongoing need for addiction counselors. The associates degree program blends academic coursework with field-based learning.

Students complete a practicum and fieldwork class totaling 150 hours at local treatment facilities, giving them both real-world experience and a foothold for completing the state-required 350 hours.

“That internship experience not only gets them started on their required hours,” Kaplan said, “but it’s also a foot in the door at a treatment site, and potentially a path to employment.”

Kaplan said the program is designed with flexibility in mind. Courses are offered in a mix of formats: some are fully online, others hybrid or in-person. He added that as demand increases, the college may expand fully online options. The APSP scholarship is a “last dollar” award, Kaplan explained.

Students must first apply for financial aid (FAFSA). Then any unmet tuition costs are covered by the state grant. The funds also help the college run more courses by subsidizing instruction costs.

“This is a high priority for the college because it’s a high priority for the community,” Kaplan said. “We try to make the process simple and fast. In many cases, students are approved for the scholarship within a matter of days.”

While Sullivan County was not explicitly named in OASAS’s latest list of regional grant recipients, local residents are eligible to receive the scholarship through SUNY Sullivan’s participation in the program. For more information or to apply, visit oasas.ny.gov.