Virginia Recovery Scholars Program

Please see this note below about the Recovery Scholars Program from the DBHDS State Opioid Response Grant Team. 

The Department of Behavioral Health and Development State Opioid Response Grant Team and Virginia Commonwealth University are excited to be able to offer the Recovery Scholars Program to students in recovery who are enrolled at Virginia Colleges and Universities. We believe that students in recovery often are among the strongest students on our campus and contribute tremendously to campus life.

Scholarship amount: $500 per semester (renews contingent on completion of requirements

Scholarship Deadline: Cohort 1 – August 6th (strongly recommended) Cohort 2 – August 27th

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the first deadline as there will be more sections available

Recovery Scholars Program:

As individuals grow in their recovery process their needs in recovery change. The Recovery Scholars Program seeks to support these recovery needs through a supportive seminar while recognizing their contributions through financial scholarship.  The Recovery Scholars participate in a weekly supportive seminar and work an active recovery plan.  Recovery scholars are awarded a share of the scholarship pool and may be eligible for additional scholarship awards. Scholarships automatically renew until graduation for those who continue to complete Recovery Scholars program requirements. Additionally, Recovery Scholars are eligible to receive funds for professional development conferences focused on recovery. Scholarships are credited to student accounts are not paid out until mid-point or later in the semester.

Introduction to Recovery Supports (Newcomers Program)

The Introduction to Recovery Supports Program is designed for individuals new to recovery, who want additional structure in their recovery journeys while they navigate the challenges of Higher Education. Students will participate in a weekly recovery seminar are must be developing and working an active recovery plan. Individuals entering the newcomers program are able to earn Membership in the Recovery Scholars Program for the next semester and a pro-rated share of a scholarship.  Topics in the Introduction to Recovery Support seminar will help newcomers get plugged into recovery supports relevant to their journeys.

Application Link

Program Eligibility and Expectations below.  For more information, email recovery@vcu.edu or call 804-366-8027 or visit recovery.vcu.edu.

Recovery Scholars Program

Program Eligibility & Expectations

  • Have at least 4 months of continuous abstinence from alcohol and illegal drugs and compliance with prescribed medication

  • Complete an application for admission into the Recovery Scholars Program

  • Be enrolled or accepted into a VA college/university

  • Interview with Program Staff

Commit to following program requirements:

  • Attend weekly Recovery Scholars seminar

  • Attend monthly All Community Meeting 3rd Sunday of each month at 6:30pm

  • Adhere to member expectations

  • Actively participate in a recovery plan that addresses our 3 pillars of Recovery: Community, Growth & Service

  • Have a service commitment within your local or university recovery community

Introduction to Recovery Supports (Newcomers Program)

Program Eligibility & Expectations

  • Commitment to abstinence from alcohol and illegal drugs and compliance with prescribed medication

  • Complete an application for admission into the program

  • Be enrolled or accepted into a VA college/university

  • Interview with Program Staff

Commit to following program requirements:

  • Attend weekly Newcomers seminar

  • Attend monthly All Community Meeting

  • Adhere to member expectations

  • Actively participate in a recovery plan that addresses our 3 pillars of Recovery: Community, Growth & Service

  • Have a service commitment within the recovery, local or university community