Applications Open February 1st
Need more information? Click the links below!
The Touchstone Foundation Mental Health Careers Scholarship Program invests in the future mental health workforce in Lancaster County. By supporting undergraduate students and, in partnership with the John F. Steinman Fellowship Fund, eligible graduate-level study, the program reduces financial barriers to education and strengthens the local talent pipeline—ensuring more licensed mental health professionals are available to serve youth and families in our community.
The Touchstone Foundation Mental Health Careers Scholarship Program invests in the next generation of mental health professionals serving youth and families in Lancaster County. By supporting students on the path to licensure, the program strengthens the local mental health talent pipeline and expands long-term access to care.
The program prioritizes support for undergraduate students pursuing degrees that lead to licensed, clinical mental health professions, while also supporting postgraduate students through a dedicated partnership with the John F. Steinman Fellowship Fund.
Graduate-level support is available exclusively for postgraduate study in social work, psychology, psychiatry, or psychiatric nursing with a mental health focus. Fellowship funds are applied directly to tuition at the recipient’s post-secondary institution and are intended to complement—not duplicate—other sources of educational funding. When tuition costs are fully covered by other funding sources, fellowship funds cannot be redirected and must be returned to the Foundation.
Before submitting your application, please confirm that you meet the following eligibility requirements:
If you meet all of these criteria, you’re ready to apply!
Note: Undergraduate scholarships will be contacted by Touchstone Foundation when applications close.
Scholarship Process from Application to Award
February 1st: Scholarship Application Opens
May 15th: Undergraduate Applications Close at 11:59 PM
July 19th: Scholarship Awards Announced
July 22nd: Bursar Letters and Checks Sent to Colleges & Universities
September 25th: Programs Celebration Reception, 5:30-8:00 pm
Note: Graduate scholarships follow a different timeline, coordinated by the Steinman Foundation via email communication directly from the Steinman Foundation.
February 1st: Scholarship Application Opens
May 15th: Graduate Scholarship Applications Close at 11:59 PM
July 9th and 10th: Undergraduate Applicant Interviews from 9:30 am -12:30 pm for selected candidates
September 25th: Programs Celebration Reception, 5:30-8:00 pm
Need more information? Click the links below!
Since 2003 the Touchstone Foundation offered scholarships for nursing students in Lancaster County, investing $980,100 in nursing scholars. Current nursing scholarship recipients will continue to receive their funding through the time committed by the Touchstone Foundation.
Scholarships will now be prioritized to students pursuing careers in mental healthcare for youth and their families. Our goal is to develop the workforce to meet demand for mental health services for youth and children in Lancaster County. Nurses pursuing careers that directly serve youth (such as psychiatric nurse practitioners) may apply for the Mental Health Careers Scholarship.
The Bill Zee Legacy Scholarship honors the lifelong commitment of Bill Zee, a dedicated advocate for trauma-informed care and youth mental health in Lancaster County. As an attorney and champion for children’s well-being, Bill played a pivotal role in shaping policies that prioritized the mental health needs of students within school districts, legal systems, and the broader community.
Through his leadership with Touchstone Foundation, Bill co-developed trauma training sessions that educated educators, school boards, and legal professionals on the profound impact of childhood trauma. His work with the Attachment and Trauma Network (ATN) helped pioneer new approaches to addressing trauma in schools, ensuring that children facing adversity had access to the support they needed to thrive.
Now, in his memory, the Bill Zee Legacy Scholarship will support students who share his passion for mental health advocacy, trauma-informed education, and youth wellness. This newly funded scholarship will be available through Touchstone Foundation’s Mental Health Scholarships Program, furthering our mission to empower future generations of mental health professionals, educators, and advocates.
By investing in students pursuing careers in trauma-informed care, we continue Bill’s legacy—ensuring that every child in Lancaster County has access to a supportive, informed, and compassionate community.
**The Stan Deen Foundation is an honored founding contributor to the Bill Zee Legacy Scholarship. We are deeply grateful for their early support in helping launch this meaningful tribute.**
We’re gathering students, facilitators, and artists to share reflections and help shape what’s next. Your voice matters—join us!
Make your impact by donating at the link below on November 21st, and come celebrate with us at the Greatest Giving Gig at Tellus360 from 5–8 PM. Together, we can elevate mental health for Lancaster’s youth!