Investing in the Next Generation of Compassionate Mental Health Professionals

The Sage Door Wellness Scholarship was established to support emerging professionals who are called to serve their communities through behavioral health and psychological care. Rooted in Sage Door’s enduring commitment to accessible, compassionate treatment in Niagara County, this scholarship seeks to reduce barriers to higher education for students pursuing careers in the mental health field. It is our belief that a healthier community begins with a well-supported, well-trained generation of care providers.

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

The Sage Door Psychological Wellness Scholarship was created as a natural extension of the mission at the heart of Sage Door Psychological Wellness, to make compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health care accessible to every member of our community. Founded and led by Dr. Bridget Rippe, PsyD, Sage Door recognizes that the future of mental health in Western New York begins with the young people who feel called to this work. This scholarship is designed to support graduating high school seniors in Niagara County who are taking their first courageous step toward a career in mental health. We believe that financial or systemic barriers should never stand between a motivated student and the education they need to serve their community. By investing in the next generation of mental health professionals at the very start of their journey, Sage Door is honored to help cultivate a diverse, compassionate, and skilled workforce right here in the communities we proudly serve.

KEY DATES

Application Opens: To be announced. Please visit the Sage Door Psychological Wellness website at www.sagedoorpsychologicalwellness.com for the official opening date.

Application Deadline: April 1, 2027 — All materials must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Recipient Announcement: May 5, 2027 — All applicants will be notified of the selection outcome by this date.

Award Amount: To be announced. The award amount will be communicated directly to the selected recipient at the time of notification.

Award details, including the scholarship amount, will be shared personally with the selected recipient upon notification. We encourage all eligible students to apply regardless of the disclosed award amount — every application is reviewed with equal care and consideration.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be considered for the Sage Door Wellness Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria at the time of application:

• Student Status
  • Must be a current senior enrolled in a public or private high school located in Niagara County, New York.
  • Must be in good academic standing at the time of application.
• Residency
  • Must reside in Niagara County, New York at the time of application.
• Intended Field of Study
  • Must intend to declare a major or concentration in psychology, counseling, social work, mental health, behavioral health, or a closely related field at the college level.
  • Must have been accepted to, or plan to enroll in, an accredited four-year university or community college beginning in the fall semester following graduation.
• Academic Standing
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) as of the most recent grading period.
• Other Requirements
  • Must not be an immediate family member of a Sage Door Psychological Wellness, PLLC employee or owner.
  • Sage Door Psychological Wellness encourages applications from students of all backgrounds, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups in the mental health field.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A complete application package must include each of the following items. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed:

1. Completed Application Form — Available for download or submission directly through the Sage Door Psychological Wellness website at www.sagedoorpsychologicalwellness.com.
2. Current Resume or Student Activity Summary — Reflecting relevant academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and volunteer experience.
3. Official or Unofficial High School Transcript — Covering all completed grading periods through the most recent term available. Official transcripts may be requested of finalists.
4. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation — At least one letter must be authored by a current teacher, school counselor, or academic advisor. Letters should speak to the applicant’s academic ability, character, and potential for growth in the behavioral health field.
5. Personal Statement (500–750 words) — Your statement should address the following three areas: (a) why you are pursuing a career in behavioral health; (b) how you intend to serve your community as a mental health professional; and (c) what access to this scholarship would mean for your personal and professional journey.
6. Proof of Acceptance or Intent to Enroll Letter — An official acceptance letter or a signed letter of intent to enroll from an accredited four-year university or community college, confirming plans to begin in the fall semester following high school graduation.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications are reviewed by the Sage Door Advisory Board. No single factor is determinative; rather, each application is evaluated in its entirety. The committee will consider the following dimensions:

• Academic Achievement and Potential — Evidence of strong academic performance and a trajectory of continued growth in the applicant’s field of study.
• Quality and Authenticity of the Personal Statement — The clarity, sincerity, and depth with which the applicant articulates their motivations, goals, and values.
• Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy or Community Service — Demonstrated involvement in activities that reflect a genuine investment in the well-being of others.
• Letters of Recommendation and Character References — The strength and specificity of references provided, particularly with regard to the applicant’s readiness for a career in behavioral health.
• Financial Need or Documented Barriers to Access — The extent to which financial or systemic obstacles may impede the applicant’s ability to complete their education without support.
• Alignment with Sage Door’s Core Values — A demonstrated commitment to the principles of compassion, equity, and excellence that define the culture and mission of Sage Door Psychological Wellness.

HOW TO APPLY

Submitting your application is straightforward. Please review the following instructions carefully before beginning:

• All applications must be submitted electronically through the official Sage Door website at www.sagedoorpsychologicalwellness.com. Paper or emailed submissions will not be accepted.
• The complete application package, including all supporting materials, must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on April 1, 2027. Late submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.
• Applications that are missing one or more required components will be considered incomplete and will not advance to the review stage. Applicants are encouraged to review the requirements checklist before submitting.
• Applicants will receive an electronic confirmation of receipt within five (5) business days of submission. If you do not receive confirmation within this period, please contact us at scholarship@sagedoorpsychologicalwellness.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I apply if I have not yet received my final college acceptance?
Yes. High school seniors who have applied to college but have not yet received a final acceptance letter are still eligible to apply for this scholarship. If selected, the award will be contingent upon the recipient providing proof of acceptance and confirmed enrollment at an accredited four-year university or community college prior to disbursement.

Is this scholarship renewable?
The Sage Door Wellness Scholarship is a one-time award. Recipients are not automatically eligible for renewal in subsequent award cycles. Unless otherwise announced, each award cycle is a distinct, independent competition open to all eligible applicants, including prior applicants who were not selected.

Will I be notified if I am not selected?
Yes. All applicants — whether selected or not — will receive notification of the committee’s decision by May 5, 2027 . We are committed to communicating outcomes to every individual who submits a complete application.

May I apply for the scholarship more than once?
Because this scholarship is specifically designated for current high school seniors in Niagara County, applicants are only eligible during their senior year of high school. Students who were not selected are unfortunately not eligible to reapply in a future cycle once they have graduated. We encourage all interested seniors to apply during their graduating year.

How is the award amount determined?
The scholarship award amount is determined by the Sage Door selection committee and may vary by award cycle. The specific amount for the current cycle will be communicated directly and privately to the selected recipient at the time of notification. We do not publish the award amount in advance.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For general inquiries about the scholarship program, please direct your correspondence to scholarship@sagedoorwellness.com. Due to the volume of applications received, our team is unable to respond to individual status inquiries prior to the official announcement date of May 5, 2027. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

We invite you to take this important first step in your journey toward a career in mental health. At Sage Door, we believe deeply in the power of compassionate, skilled, and culturally attuned professionals to transform not only individual lives but entire communities, and that work begins with students like you. Your desire to enter this field is itself an act of service, and we are honored to consider supporting it. Sage Door Psychological Wellness, PLLC proudly serves the residents of Niagara County and the broader Western New York community. Our practice remains steadfastly committed to accessible, evidence-based psychological care and to investing in the future of behavioral health in the region we call home. The Sage Door Wellness Scholarship is administered by Sage Door Psychological Wellness, PLLC. All decisions made by the selection committee are final. Information on this page is subject to change; please visit www.sagedoorwellness.com for the most current details.