Increasing Access to Clinical Experiences and Support for
BIPOC College Students

Undergrad and graduate-level students studying to receive a clinical degree rely on immersive, hands-on workplace experience to gain the knowledge and skills they will need in their careers. The Clinical Pathway/College Partnerships (CP2) focus area supports paid internships for undergrad and graduate students pursuing practical educational experience.

The priority population for these paid internships is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) employees and students.

Full-time Intern Supervisors at Open Sky and Seven Hills Foundation coordinate with our higher ed partners to ensure paid internships are promoted, accessible, and available to interested students and they provide critical administrative support to increase access to higher education for interested BIPOC staff.  

Associate/Bachelor-Level training focuses on milieu therapy, skills groups, and introduction to various individuals with mental health challenges and/or developmental disabilities, with a minimum of 8 hours/week expected at the undergraduate level.

Master Level internships are designed to provide students with a more intensive experience with 24 hours/week for 9 months.  

Accelerate the Future

Partnership with Framingham State University

In Spring 2024, 21 employees from Open Sky Community Services and Seven Hills Foundation were selected for the Accelerate the Future cohort to obtain their Master's in Counseling Psychology (Licensed Mental Health Counselor Track) at Framingham State University. This is a three-year hybrid program including practicum and internship components. After graduation, employees will be eligible for clinical licensure and they have committed to continue working at their agencies for a minimum of three years.

A second cohort will begin the program in Fall 2024.