The Direct Support Professional Online Training Application

The Tennessee Board of Regents is pleased to offer a workforce incentive specifically for Tennesseans who are new or existing Consumer-Directed Workers, Health Support Workers, and Direct Support Professionals. This training stipend, up to $3,000, is available upon successful completion of the required training.

Eligibility:

Please note that not everyone who applies for the scholarship will be approved for the scholarship. The initial screening of applications is based on the following factors:

To qualify for this scholarship, you must meet the following minimum criteria:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or GED
Be a U.S. citizen or hold a visa permitting permanent residence (Note: These requirements are for the scholarship, not Tennessee Board of Regents itself)
Be a resident of Tennessee (proof of residency required)
Be employed or seeking employment as a Consumer-Directed Worker, Health Support Worker, Direct Support Professional or Paid Caregiver

Applicants who pass the initial screening are not guaranteed approval, as final scholarship decisions are based on additional criteria and availability.

Application Process:

Fill out the application form with accurate and complete information.

Stipend Disbursement:

The $3000 (up to) Training Scholarship will be paid to approved applicants who remain eligible after completing the DSP Training. Payments will be sent 4 to 6 weeks after training completion.

Note: If awarded, the scholarship may be considered taxable income by the IRS. Please consider these tax implications and plan accordingly. We recommend consulting a tax professional for personalized advice.

Application Submission:

You will receive approval or denial within 3 business days of submitting your application.

Deadline:

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but the last day to apply for the scholarship is Friday, July 4, 2025. Please note that the program may end earlier if enrollment limits are reached or funding is no longer available.

Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to reviewing your application!

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Derravia Rich at dsptraining@tbr.edu.

First Name*

Enter your first name as it appears on official documents such as your driver's license or passport.

Last Name*

Enter your last name as it appears on official documents like your driver’s license or passport.

Date of Birth*

Please enter your birthdate in the format MM/DD/YYYY.

Email*

Enter a valid email address that you check regularly. We will use this email to send you important updates and communications regarding your application.

Phone Number*

Please provide a phone number where we can reach you easily. This number will be used for official communications and, if necessary, to clarify any details in your application.

Street Address*

Enter the full address of your current residence, including any apartment or suite number.

City*

Enter the name of the city where you currently live.

State*

Enter the state where you currently live.

Zip Code*

County of Residence:*

Specify the county in which you currently live.

Select

Describe the area you currently live in:*

Briefly describe your neighborhood or the area around your residence (e.g., urban, suburban, or rural)

Rural

Suburban

Urban

Have you ever lived in a rural community?*

Yes

Specific Demographics

Our funder (HRSA) requires that we ask certain questions to make sure that we are offering the program to people from diverse backgrounds The answers do not affect your eligibility for the program, and we will not report any individual answers. Please answer honestly and completely.

What is your citizenship status?*

Please select your current citizenship status from the options provided. If you select 'Other,' please specify how you identify your citizenship status in the space provided.

US Citizen (Born or Naturalized)

Foreign National

Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card)

Other

Other citizenship status

Provide a brief description of your citizenship status if it does not match the standard categories listed. For example, if you are a permanent resident, refugee, or have a specific visa status, please specify here.

Proof of Citizenship*

Please provide documentation to verify your citizenship or legal residency status. Acceptable forms of proof include:

• U.S. Passport (current or expired)

• Certificate of Naturalization

• Certificate of Citizenship

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

• State-issued Birth Certificate (if born in the U.S.)

• Other Government-Issued Documentation (indicating citizenship or residency status)

Upload a clear and legible copy of your document. If you have questions about acceptable forms of documentation or encounter issues uploading, please contact dsptraining@tbr.edu for assistance.

Drag and drop files here or

What is your highest level of education?*

Select the highest degree or level of education you have completed.

What is your Veteran Status?*

Please indicate whether you are a veteran of any branch of the armed forces. If you are not a veteran, select 'Not a Veteran.'

Background

Select "Yes" if any of the following describes your background:

Environmentally Disadvantaged: Your environment made it difficult to gain the knowledge and skills for health professions school, or you lived in public housing, received housing assistance like Section 8.

Economically Disadvantaged: Your family income was below the low-income threshold set by the U.S. Census Bureau, or you received support like TANF, SNAP benefits, or Food Stamps.

Educationally Disadvantaged: Your social, cultural, or educational background limited your ability to gain the knowledge and skills for health professions training, or you had to leave school before graduating, or received a scholarship, voucher, or waiver for school.

Background*

Check 'Yes' if any of the statements below apply to you.

Yes

How do you identify your gender?*

Please select your gender identity from the options listed. If your gender identity is not represented, you may select 'Self-describe' and provide a more specific description in the following question.

Please share how you self identify:

If you chose 'Self-describe' for your gender identity, please provide your specific gender identity here.

How would you describe you racial or ethnic identity?*

Please select the categories that best describe your racial or ethnic identity. If your racial or ethnic identity is not represented, you may select 'Self-describe' and provide a more specific description in the following question. (Check all that apply)

Do you identify as Hispanic or Latino?*

Please indicate whether you identify as Hispanic or Latino.

Hispanic or Latino

Not Hispanic or Latino

How did you learn about this training/scholarship?*

Please let us know where you first heard about this program. Your feedback helps us improve outreach and ensure more people can benefit from our scholarships.

Select or enter value

Referral other

Work Experience

Experience as a Consumer-Directed Worker, Direct Support Professional, Health Support Worker or a Paid Caregiver*

I want to be a Consumer-Directed Worker, Direct Support Professional, Health Support Worker or a Paid Caregiver

I am a new Consumer-Directed Worker, Direct Support Professional, Health Support Worker or a Paid Caregiver and I have no formal training

I am an experienced Consumer-Directed Worker, Direct Support Professional, Health Support Worker or Paid Caregiver- and I have formal DSP or QIDP training

Do you currently provide Self-Directed Personal Care Services or work for a self-directed member?*

Self-Directed Personal Care Services refer to care arrangements where individuals or their representatives have the authority to hire, manage, and dismiss their own personal care providers. A self-directed member is someone who receives care under this model.

Yes

If your member is supported by a Managed Care Organization (MCO), please select the appropriate organization.*

This is NOT your personal insurance but your member's MCO.

BCBST-BlueCare TN

United HealthCare

Wellpoint

Other MCO (please specify)

Other MCO Provider:

What is your current employment status?*

Please select your current employment status from the provided options.

Full-time (30 hours or more per week)

Part-time (less than 30 hours per week)

On leave of absence

Not currently employed

What is your job title?*

Please enter the official title of your current role as listed by your employer (e.g., Registered Nurse, Caregiver, Direct Support Professional). If you are not currently employed, enter "Unemployed."

Member or Agency Name:*

Type the name of the member or agency you work with. If you are employed as a Consumer-Directed Worker and the member is your employer, please enter "Consumer Directed Member" instead of the member's actual name.

Member or Agency Street Address:*

Provide the complete physical address of the agency you are affiliated with, including street name, building number, and suite or apartment number if applicable. If you are employed as a Consumer-Directed Worker and the member is your employer, please enter 'N/A' as the street address. Enter the agency address if you work for an agency.

Member or Agency City:*

Specify the city where your member lives or where your agency is located.

Member or Agency State:*

Specify the state where your member lives or where your agency is located.

Employer or Agency Zip Code:*

Enter the zip code for the location of the member or agency.

Employer or Agency County:*

Specify the county where your member lives or where your agency is located.

Select

Where do you work?*

Direct-care workers are employed in various settings. Please select the work environment that best describes where you are currently employed (Choose one).

Select or enter value

Please describe your work duties. *

For example: assisting with personal care, administering medications, providing companionship, supporting daily activities, helping with mobility, coordinating care, etc.

Training Support Stipend Application: Personal Statements

In this section, you'll provide a brief personal statement explaining your motivations, goals, and how receiving the stipend will support your training journey. Your response does not need to meet a specific length requirement and is not evaluated on spelling or grammar. Focus on being clear, concise, and genuine in explaining your story and circumstances.

What is your reason for taking this training?*

Describe how completing this training will enhance your skills and improve the care you provide as a consumer-directed worker, DSP, or health support worker.

What motivates you to work in direct care?*

Explain what inspired you to become a direct support professional, consumer-directed worker, or health support worker.

How will this stipend help your professional growth?*

Share how receiving this training stipend will help you achieve your career goals.

Referral*

If someone referred you to this opportunity, please provide their name or the name of the agency that referred you (e.g., John Doe, [Agency Name]). This helps us track and acknowledge the sources connecting applicants to our program. If you were not referred, you can leave this field blank or enter "N/A."

TERMS and AGREEMENTS

As a participant in this training program, I understand and agree to the following requirements:

Weekly Reporting of Client Contact Hours: I will report my client contact hours on a weekly basis. This is essential for tracking my practical experience and progress within the program.

Completion of Volunteer Hours: I commit to completing service-learning hours, separate from my working hours. These activities can include, but are not limited to, volunteering at a church, a food pantry, or assisting the elderly. This is an opportunity to contribute to the community and gain additional practical experience.

Documentation of Volunteer Hours: I will volunteer and document at least 2 hours of volunteer work during the training period. It is my responsibility to ensure that these hours are recorded accurately and submitted as proof of completion.

Maintaining Employment: I must maintain employment with the same employer throughout the training program. My employment status will be verified with my employer prior to disbursing any training-related funds.

Acceptance of Terms:*

I accept the terms of the Training Program Agreement, including weekly client contact reporting, volunteer hours, documenting 2 hours of volunteer work in 90 days, and maintaining employment with the same employer during this period.

I have read but choose not to accept the Training Program Agreement terms, including the requirement to maintain employment with the same employer during the program. I understand this may disqualify me from receiving stipends or scholarship benefits.

RELEASE OF INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To be eligible for the training stipend, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including making satisfactory academic progress or the successful completion of the courses covered by the training stipend. Additionally, applicants are required to report client contact hours weekly and must volunteer and document at least 2 hours of volunteer work during the training period.

Please note that the DSP team will verify your course completion, volunteer hours, and adherence to all eligibility requirements to maintain your eligibility for the training stipend.

Please be aware, if awarded, your stipend may be considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It’s important to consider these tax implications and plan accordingly. We recommend consulting with a tax professional for personalized advice.

Authorization*

Option A: I authorize my employer to share with the DSP team my enrollment and employment status, for the purpose of verifying my eligibility for the DSP training stipend.

Option B: I do not authorize the DSP team to access or share any of my personal information for the purposes outlined above.

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the verification process and agree to release your chosen information as outlined above or choose not to release any information.*

Type your name below:

Today's Date*

Send me a copy of my responses

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