BIPOC/Underrepresented Scholarship

For more than 30 years, the Ackerman Institute for the Family has been committed to increasing access to high-quality training opportunities for clinicians from historically underrepresented communities and strengthening diversity within the field of couple and family therapy.

As the United States continues to grow in diversity and the need for mental health services increases, so does the importance of cultivating a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. While effective therapy does not require a therapist and client to share the same background, many individuals, couples, and families value working with clinicians who understand the cultural, racial, and social contexts that shape their lived experiences.

To help address this need, the Ackerman Institute for the Family is proud to offer the BIPOC Fellowship Scholarships.

These scholarships reflect Ackerman’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development of clinicians from historically underrepresented backgrounds, increasing representation within the field of couple and family therapy, and expanding access to culturally responsive care for diverse individuals, couples, and families.

Through this initiative, Ackerman seeks to invest in the next generation of clinicians while continuing to foster a more inclusive and representative mental health workforce.

About the Scholarship:

The scholarship covers up to 50% of the tuition for one year of the Clinical Fellowship.

Scholarship Eligibility:

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be a member of a BIPOC/underrepresented community. 

Application Instructions:

Fill out the fields below. All candidates are required to upload supporting documents as required by each course.

The deadline for application is August 1st, funds are limited so we encourage interested applicants to submit their application once they have officially submitted the application for Clinical Fellowship.

What You Need to Apply:

  • Completed Application Form
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement – In 200–250 words, please reflect on the following:
  1. Your Journey So Far – What experiences have shaped your path into the field of family therapy? How has being a member of a BIPOC/underrepresented community influenced your understanding of systemic change and mental health?
  2. Challenges & Growth – Describe a personal, academic, professional, or systemic challenge you have faced during your training at Ackerman thus far. How did you navigate this challenge, and how has it shaped your perspective, skills, or commitment to the field?
  3. Future Impact – Looking beyond your externship, how do you plan to contribute to the field of family therapy in a way that supports the mission, legacy, and future of Ackerman, the Ackerman Relational Approach (ARA), and BIPOC/underrepresented inclusion in the field? How will you help ensure that family therapy remains accessible, relevant, and impactful for diverse communities?

Your response should reflect personal insight, resilience, and a vision for how you will advance equity, inclusion, and systemic change within the field of family therapy.

2026—2027 BIPOC/Underrepresented Scholarship Application: