CARIBOU – Aroostook Mental Health Center is accepting applications for educational assistance through the Vickers Educational Fund.

Awarded by Facilities Inc., the fund was established to encourage people in Aroostook County to attend post-secondary education in areas that serve the community’s mental health, substance abuse, and speech and language needs. Funding is available for candidates who are native to Aroostook County.

Applicants then are considered as eligible candidates for support from the fund by the selection committee. Eligible candidates must pursue a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral-level degree.

Up to four people may receive financial assistance for the 2003-04 school year. Through the fund, each student is given the opportunity to work at AMHC 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 Ronald Thibodeau, assistant director of personnel services, 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 the AMHC Central office in Caribou by Feb. 14.

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