Devereux will invest $16 million toward the Ascend Career Accelerator program over the next five years.
The program provides support in four categories: multi-track career path and advancement opportunities; financial support for tuition and education costs; personalized career coaching; and dedicated mentoring and professional development.
Full-time employees in career-aligned tracks will receive 100 percent of tuition, fees and textbook costs — up to $15,000 for undergraduate classes and $25,000 for graduate-level classes each year.
Student loan repayment will also be offered up to $200 per pay period for eligible full-time employees. Part-time workers can receive up to $100 per pay period. The program will use the national Public Service Loan Forgiveness program where applicable.
The program was started to improve the ongoing behavioral health worker shortage.