Scholarships

At the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health, we are committed to helping students pursue meaningful careers supporting the well-being of children and families. In addition to the University of Oregon’s wide array of scholarship programs available to both incoming and current students, the Ballmer Institute offers two exclusive scholarship opportunities for those preparing to enter the children’s behavioral health workforce. 

These scholarships are designed to offer significant support and help reduce financial barriers so students can focus more fully on their education and training.  

Ballmer Scholarship  Trailblazer Award

The Ballmer Scholarship (AY25-26)

The Ballmer Scholarship is the institute’s most comprehensive award, designed for Oregon residents interested in pursuing careers in children’s behavioral health. A limited number of these scholarships are available to incoming first year and incoming transfer students each year.  

Please note, the Ballmer Scholarship program is undergoing changes; new requirements including an application will apply beginning AY27-28.
 

Award Information 

Ballmer Scholars receive UO resident tuition, fees, and living expenses through a combination of federal grants, state grants, university grants, and scholarships for up to four years of undergraduate study. 
 

Eligibility  

  • Oregon residency
  • Completed application to UO  
  • Financial need and academic qualifications are considered in the awarding process, with a preference for students with demonstrated financial need from the Portland metro-area and rural Oregon.
     

How to Apply

Incoming First Year Students

To be considered for the award: 

Incoming Transfer Students

To be considered for the award: 

Scholarship Renewal

Your scholarship renewal is evaluated annually at the end of each spring term. To renew, you must:  
  • Complete the FAFSA each year by March 1 and complete any additional financial aid verification requirements by Friday of week two of fall term.
  • Maintain a 3.00 cumulative UO GPA and meet Satisfactory Academic Program (SAP) standards.
  • Complete 12 UO credits for each term in which you receive a disbursement of your scholarship (36 credits per year).  
  • Remain in good standing within the Child Behavioral Health (CBH) major/pre-major. 
 
This scholarship is intended for students who are enrolled full time in the child behavioral health major, and can be revoked if a student does not follow the major requirements. Please contact the CBH advising team for support in planning your coursework, and review complete terms and conditions. 
 

Trailblazer Award

The Trailblazer Award is provided to child behavioral health majors, who are not recipients of the Ballmer scholarship, as they transition to the Ballmer Institute at UO Portland to complete the final two years of their degree. This award recognizes students who are joining the institute as part of a first-of-its kind applied bachelor’s-level training program in youth behavioral health. No separate scholarship application required.   
 

Award Information 

The Trailblazer Award offers $10,000 per year, renewable for up to two years.  
 

Eligibility  

  • Admission to the child behavioral health major (not the pre-major)
  • Enrollment in the child behavioral health major at the Ballmer Institute at UO Portland 
  • Not a recipient of the Ballmer Scholarship
     

Award Renewal 

To maintain eligibility:  

  • Remain enrolled full time in good standing within the children’s behavioral health program
  • Complete 12 UO credits per term (36 per year)
  • Trailblazer Awards renew annually for up to 6 terms over three years (excluding summer)

University of Oregon Scholarships

The University of Oregon offers multiple scholarships and methods of funding for all students. Explore the various aid options and connect with a counselor to help understand your options at the UO. 

UO Scholarships

Financial Aid

Many scholarships are based on financial need, so it is important for you to complete the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) by the federal deadline. 

Submit the University of Oregon as your university of choice. Our code is 003223. 

Submit the FAFSA
 

International Students

International students and those not able to file a FAFSA are encouraged to establish financial need for UO scholarships by submitting a financial resources form to the Division of Global Engagement.  

Dreamer Students

Dreamer students including students who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) as well as other undocumented students who are ineligible to submit a FAFSA may submit an Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA), which is an alternative to the FAFSA. 

Cost of attendance is the estimated cost to attend the UO for the academic year. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides estimates for cost of attendance information that goes beyond tuition and fees, and includes: living expenses (housing and food), books/supplies/equipment, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.