July 16, 2025 – Portales, NM – Eastern New Mexico University's Social Work program has received nearly $2 million in federal grant funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). 

This four-year "Pathways to Excellence" grant, totaling $1,964,282.40, directly addresses the urgent need for more behavioral health professionals in rural communities, especially to provide services for children, teens, and young adults, as well as creating a strong, culturally aware workforce ready to provide excellent care and improve community well-being for years to come.

The project will build a new generation of local, diverse social work professionals as it will recruit and support 40 Master of Social Work (MSW) students over four years (10 per year), focusing on those from rural and underserved communities, with an emphasis on Hispanic students.

ENMU also plans to use innovative training methods, including new modules on interprofessional education, cultural understanding, and telehealth skills. Students will also gain practical experience using a state-of-the-art, AI-powered simulation platform.

Students in the program will get full support to help them succeed, including financial stipends, dedicated faculty mentors, help with becoming licensed, and assistance finding jobs in rural New Mexico after they graduate.

"This funding allows us to offer a level of training and support that simply hasn't been possible until now," said Melissa Moyer, the MSW program director. "Over the next four years, we have a unique opportunity to support new social work practitioners and make a lasting impact in the rural communities they serve. We're grateful for this support and excited for what's to come."

The grant will expand hands-on training opportunities in communities, adding 12 agency partners to the program's network, and will provide support and professional development for supervisors working in these agencies.

Emerald Health Partners, a strategic consulting firm, will oversee project management, data coordination, and evaluation for all four years. Their role ensures the program runs smoothly, meets federal reporting rules, and achieves measurable success.

"Eastern New Mexico University is leading the way in addressing the rural behavioral health workforce crisis," said Kate Bailey, CEO of Emerald Health Partners. "We are honored to collaborate on the Pathways to Excellence project and are deeply committed to supporting its success."

For more information on Eastern New Mexico University's Master's in Social Work program, visit www.enmu.edu/MSW.