CARIBOU – Aroostook Mental Health Center is accepting applications for the Vickers Education Fund.

Individuals who have been an Aroostook County resident for at least 10 years and who are pursuing careers in the fields of mental health, substance abuse or speech-language pathology are encouraged to apply for this local educational funding before the deadline of Friday, Feb. 15.

The Vickers Education Fund, awarded by Facilities Inc., was established to encourage people in Aroostook County to seek post- secondary education in the mental health fields. Eligible candidates must pursue a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral-level degree.

The Vickers Education Fund will provide financial assistance for up to four people during the 2002-2003 school year. Through the fund, students are given the opportunity to work at Aroostook Mental Health Center for a contracted number of years in exchange for partial repayment of the loan. The balance of the loan is repayable through payroll deduction.

To obtain an application packet, contact Assistant Director of Personnel Services Ron Thibodeau at 498-6431 or e-mail rthibodeau@amhc.org.

A complete application packet, including three letters of reference and a 250-word essay describing background and clinical-professional interests, must be returned to AMHC by Feb. 15.

AMHC is a private, nonprofit corporation providing mental health, substance abuse and speech and language services to Aroostook County citizens. AMHC serves children, adolescents and adults in crisis, residential and outpatient settings in more than 19 sites throughout Aroostook County.