Professional Partnerships

Education

Programs in Education start annually in the fall.

Candidates who apply to eligible Education programs are automatically considered for this new scholarship program. When completing the application, please be sure to check the box in the online application. We select Scholars on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. All spots are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Apply to the master's program or bachelor's program here.

Questions? To reach the graduate program admissions team, please reach out to luadmissions@lesley.edu, and for the undergraduate admissions team, please reach out to admissions@lesley.edu to connect with a counselor.

• Framingham Public Schools Scholars@Lesley

  The Framingham Public Schools (FPS) represents a learning organization that is committed to improving our practices and assuring students they are valued, loved, and celebrated. The Vision of FPS is to be a place of belonging, where our students, their families, and our staff have voice, participation, and agency. Indeed, we aspire to embrace differences and inspire futures! Through a comprehensive education, it is our mission to create and empower free-thinking, responsible citizens who can participate equally in our rich and diverse community. In fulfilling our mission, we will hold true to our core values.

• Home for Little Wanderers Scholars@Lesley

  The Home for Little Wanderers helps build stable lives and hopeful futures for children who are abused, neglected or at-risk.

  Each year, our community-based programs and residences meet the needs of more than 15,000 diverse youngsters and family members. These children are often society’s most vulnerable, victims of trauma, violence or shattered family lives.

  We ensure their emotional, social, educational and physical well- being from birth to age 26 through a dedicated team of professionals and a wide range of critical services. As a result, disadvantaged kids have safe surroundings, loving relationships and a secure path toward tomorrow.

  Eligibility

  • M.Ed. in Inclusive Special Education (Moderate Disabilities prek-8, 5-12)
• JRI Scholars@Lesley

  Justice Resource Institute (JRI) is a recognized leader in social justice initiatives and one of New England's largest human services providers. 

  JRI’s Therapeutic Schools and Educational Services provide specialized learning environments for students who need individualized academic and therapeutic support. Our day schools offer structured, supportive classrooms where students receive personalized instruction, mental health services, and skill-building opportunities to help them succeed academically and socially. For students requiring a more intensive approach, our residential schools provide 24/7 therapeutic care alongside a tailored educational experience, ensuring stability and growth in a nurturing setting.

  Beyond the classroom, we offer Early Childhood Training and Consultation to support young learners and their caregivers, as well as Educational Advocacy Services to help families navigate the complexities of special education and secure the resources their children need to thrive.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our M.Ed. in Inclusive Special Education (both prek-8 and 5-12) Moderate Disabilities
• Old Sturbridge Academy Scholars@Lesley

  Old Sturbridge Academy is an EL Education school working in partnership with Old Sturbridge Village. Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School provides students with rigorous, real-world learning experiences in a supportive and nurturing environment. Through project-based learning, case studies, fieldwork and more, Old Sturbridge Academy fosters intellectual curiosity and encourages students to become articulate communicators, critical thinkers, and skilled problem solvers who care for themselves, others around them and their communities.

  Eligibility:

  • Graduate students in Education, including Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School and Moderate Special Education
• Perkins Scholars@Lesley

  Steadfast in their commitment to inclusive education, Lesley University and Perkins School for the Blind have partnered together, guaranteeing a paid internship at The Perkins School for the Blind for Perkins Scholars.

  Lesley University will offer Scholars 6 free credits of tuition. The Perkins School will provide Scholars with pre-practicum supervision and the six-credit practicum seminar and practicum supervision of licensure candidates at no cost to the Program Participants. Employees of The Perkins School can take advantage of additional tuition support, provided as part of their employee benefit package. Additionally, Perkins Scholars will have a guaranteed paid, full-year paraprofessional/teaching assistant position at The Perkins School for the Blind.

• Quincy Scholars@Lesley

  Paving the way for future educators, Lesley University has partnered with Quincy Public Schools to provide a meaningful and immersive path to teacher license.  Not only is the graduate learning model innovative and experiential, but the financial aid is supercharged as well.

  Lesley University will offer students 6 free credits of tuition to Scholars, and Quincy Public Schools will support Scholars through their state-required practicum by placing them with a mentor teacher who is professionally licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. This will reduce the tuition by another 6 credits (which represents the practicum).

  Eligibility

  • Full-time or part-time students in a variety of our Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs
    • M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
    • M.Ed. in Elementary Education
    • M.Ed. in ESL Education (app pending)
    • M.Ed. in Middle School Education
    • M.Ed. in High School Education
    • M.Ed. in Inclusive Special Education
• Westwood Scholars@Lesley

  Lesley's partnership with Westwood Public Schools gives our education students the opportunity to work with students anywhere from Pre-K to high school. Westwood Public Schools promote intellectual, social and emotional growth and offers unique programs allowing their students to engage in musical instruction from a young age. 

  Our students develop into self-motivated learners and achieve their potential in supportive and creative environments. Through innovative collaboration and partnerships, Westwood Public Schools expand opportunities and resources that benefit the schools and the community.

• Worcester Cultural Academy Scholars@Lesley

  The Worcester Cultural Academy (WCA) is a public charter school that partners with the EcoTarium, Hanover Theatre, Old Sturbridge Village, and Worcester Art Museum for visual and performing arts, science, and history education. Through frequent expeditions to these leading cultural institutions and museums, students connect what they are learning in the classroom to real-world applications. On a regular basis, students travel to our partners to engage with the programming and exhibits, and receive direct instruction from their educators who are experts in their fields.

  Eligibility:

  • Students enrolled in graduate programs in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Moderate Special Education

Mental Health & Well-Being

Programs in Mental Health & Well-Being start annually in the fall. Candidates who apply to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (non-specialization) or the Master of Social Work (MSW) program are automatically considered for this new scholarship program. When completing the application, please be sure to check the box in the online application. We select Scholars on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. All spots are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Each Scholar will receive a generous scholarship, a guaranteed internship with the Partnership Organization, and the opportunity to be part of a cohort model to build a community of support throughout their careers as counselors.

Apply to the master's program or bachelor's program here.

Questions? To reach the graduate program admissions team, please reach out to luadmissions@lesley.edu, and for the undergraduate admissions team, please reach out to admissions@lesley.edu to connect with a counselor.

• Advocates Scholars@Lesley

  Advocates provides comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program: non-specialization (full-time or part-time) as well as our Master of Social Work (MSW) program (full-time or part-time)
• Aftermath Scholars@Lesley

  Aftermath Addiction Treatment LLC’s mission is to provide quality and ethical care for individuals with substance use disorders and mental illnesses. Aftermath encompasses love, education, experience, and direction to focus on the underlying causes of substance use disorders and mental illnesses.

  Our program incorporates leading-edge techniques in our group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, case management, and psychopharmacology therapy. With each therapy, the goal is to enable our clients to live a happy, healthy, and whole life.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology as well as our Master of Social Work (MSW) program (full-time or part-time)
• ARTrelief Scholars@Lesley

  ARTrelief™ is an innovative and unique Community Wellness Hub where cultural and religious freedom, equity, inclusion and diversity are valued, celebrated and considered as strengths in our community. We specialize in expressive arts therapy, community mental health and wellness, training and education. We make our services easily accessible to anyone, and dedicate ourselves to serving low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities, individuals suffering from chronic illness, and their families.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our undergraduate Expressive Therapies and Psychology, students enrolled in our Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Specializations in Art, Expressive Arts, Dance, Drama, or Music Therapy, and students enrolled in our Master of Counseling Psychology programs
• Buildwave Scholars@Lesley

  Buildwave, an afterschool STEAM/SEL program that expands children's creativity and resilience, offers internship opportunities for our undergraduate students in the Psychology + programs.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our Psychology+ undergraduate programs, including specializations in: General Psychology, Expressive Arts Therapy, Counseling, Art Therapy, or Holistic Psychology
• Cadbury Commons Scholars@Lesley

  Cadbury Commons is located on Sherman Street in Cambridge and provides assisted living, senior living and memory care for their residents. Since opening in 1996, Cadbury Commons has remained a family-owned and operated Independent and Assisted Living Community. The Kelley family continues the vision of founder Charles Kelley.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy and Psychology+ undergraduate programs
• Cambridge Women's Center Scholars@Lesley

  The Cambridge Women's Center was founded in 1971, following a women’s movement building takeover, and has been developing innovative programs and services for women of all backgrounds for 52 years. They offer all of their programs and services completely free of charge! They are the oldest continuously operating community center for women in the United States and are excited to see what we can accomplish in the next half-century.

  is a physical and digital community space open to anyone for whom woman is a meaningful identifier or lived experience. They offer a safe space for learning, emotional support, empathy, and empowerment through self-determination. Their understanding of the terms woman and feminism is intersectional, and we strive to create a community that is inclusive and actively working towards justice for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, those with disabilities and/or mental illness, folks experiencing housing insecurity and other Powerful Groups (both national and international) targeted for oppression.

• Child and Family Services Scholars@Lesley

  Child and Family Services, in addition to current work with Lesley's field placement office for Mental Health and Well-Being graduate programs, will be taking summer and school year interns in undergraduate Psychology+ programs.

  With 10 locations and over 500 employees, CFS is a dedicated resource offering a comprehensive range of programs and services to support the well-being of children and families. Our diverse offerings include mental health services, adoption programs, family strengthening initiatives, and community outreach. From In-Home Therapy to Adoption Journeys, we are committed to providing tailored support, fostering resilience, and building strong, lasting connections within our community. Explore our website for detailed information on how we can assist you and your family on the journey to well-being and success.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our Psychology+ (BA), MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs
• Dimock Scholars@Lesley

  As the first hospital in New England opened and operated by women for women, the Dimock Center is focused on providing high quality health and wellness care to all members of their community.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program: non-specialization (full-time or part-time) as well as our Master of Social Work (MSW) program (full-time or part-time)
• Eliot Scholars@Lesley

  Eliot Community Human Services provides community-based services to more than 50,000 individuals and families throughout Massachusetts each year, delivering state-of-the-art, evidence-based programming since 1958. Using a person-centered, family-driven approach, Eliot believes strongly in partnering with the communities served.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program: non-specialization (full-time or part-time) as well as our Master of Social Work (MSW) program (full-time or part-time)
• Girls LEAP Scholars@Lesley

  Girls LEAP partners with local schools and community centers to deliver empowerment and self-defense training to girls aged 8-18 in Greater Boston. In their programs, all girls and gender-expansive youth are encouraged to value and champion their own safety and well-being. They teach youth that they have a right to be safe and how to defend themselves when necessary. Girls LEAP believe all girls and gender-expansive youth deserve to grow up safe and free from violence – and that empowerment is violence prevention. Their goal is to provide girls with the tools and skills to keep themselves safe, both emotionally and physically.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our Psychology+ (BA) and Bachelor of Social Work programs
• Italian Home for Children Scholars@Lesley

  The Italian Home for Children provides an integrated network of powerful and effective programs to help children and families with emotional, behavioral, and educational challenges thrive in their communities. They strive to be a diverse, inclusive, and compassionate community champion that empowers children, adults, and families with mental health and educational struggles through therapeutic, collaborative, and transformative programming.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy
• JRI Scholars@Lesley

  Justice Resource Institute (JRI) is a recognized leader in social justice initiatives and one of New England's largest human services providers. For over 50 years, JRI has been dedicated to nurturing and empowering underserved children, individuals, families, and communities across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (full-time or part-time), Master of Social Work (MSW) program (full-time or part-time), as well as our M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Specializations in Art or Music Therapy
• Northeast Health Services Scholars@Lesley

  Northeast Health Services has 37 locations in the state of Massachusetts, dedicated to collaborating with clients through the entire process of evaluation and therapy. They factor in all elements of a person’s life while connecting them to their primary care physicians, schools, and other clinical practitioners for coordinated treatment approaches. This comprises counseling services, psychiatry solutions, interventional psychiatry treatments as well as aid during hospitalizations. Their comprehensive approach across the lifespan enables them to accurately understand clients’ requirements, recommend effective therapeutic options, and bolster them on their journey toward psychological well-being.

  Northeast Health Services recognizes that every person has their own unique needs, and therefore their team is composed of a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, enabling them to provide tailored support to each community.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (full-time or part-time), Master of Social Work (MSW) program (full-time or part-time), as well as our Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Specializations in Art, Expressive Arts, Dance, Drama, or Music Therapy
• North Suffolk Community Services Scholars@Lesley

  North Suffolk Community Services supports individuals and families in their pursuit of independence and stability by providing a comprehensive array of treatment and recovery services.

  With 75+ programs and services, serving 10K+ clients, their approach is to intervene as early as possible; incorporate personal choices and promote prevention and education. North Suffolk Community Services promotes health and wellness through accessible and equitable early intervention, treatment, education and advocacy so that all residents of the communities we serve may live fulfilling lives.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (full-time or part-time), and Master of Social Work (MSW) program (full-time or part-time)
• Riverside Scholars@Lesley

  To help meet the demand for mental health and behavioral counselors, particularly those caring for people from under-resourced communities, Lesley University and Riverside Community Care have launched an innovative workplace development partnership called Riverside Scholars@Lesley.

  Eligibility

  • Full-time students enrolled in our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program
• South Shore Child and Family Counseling Scholars@Lesley

  South Shore Child and Family Counseling, located in Weymouth, MA is dedicated to fostering a culturally affirming and inclusive space utilizing evidence-based practices grounded in diverse principles. We empower children, adolescents, adults, and their families to achieve mental wellness and realize their personal, educational, and professional aspirations through holistic, culturally relevant services, and community-centered support.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (full-time or part-time), and Master of Social Work (MSW) program (full-time or part-time
• Threshold Scholars@Lesley

  A Threshold Scholar@Lesley is a student in our Master of Social Work (MSW) program looking for real-life experience working with neurodiverse students in Lesley University’s Threshold Program.

  Threshold Scholars@Lesley will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship on top of any merit award they may have already received. As part of the scholarship, Threshold Scholars will also receive a graduate assistantship, working up to 20 hours per week to support the students, faculty, and administration in our Threshold Program.

• Victory Programs Scholars@Lesley

  Victory Programs opens the door to hope, recovery, and community for individuals and families facing homelessness, addiction, or other chronic health conditions. They offer individualized care from a strengths-based philosophy to help their clients identify, and achieve their personal goals.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program (full-time or part-time)
• Vinfen Scholars@Lesley

  Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Their services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve.

  Eligibility

  • Students enrolled in our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program: non-specialization (full-time or part-time) as well as our Master of Social Work (MSW) program (full-time or part-time)

Our Partners

• School District Partnerships

  Lesley students earning an M.Ed. work in the partner district as a paraprofessional, gaining valuable internship experience in your schools, while taking courses at Lesley with a super charged financial aid package. Partner districts will support the candidate through their student teaching. Partners have a fully licensed teacher ready to take on their own classroom at the end of their program.

• Center for Reading Recovery and Literacy Collaborative

  The Lesley University Center for Reading Recovery and Literacy Collaborative has provided a variety of high-quality professional learning opportunities for educators prek-8 for over thirty years in the areas of early intervention, classroom instruction, coaching, and leadership.  

  Our team has made a significant contribution to the literacy outcomes of children across the nation through research-based, evidence–based instructional practices built on the five pillars of reading instruction – phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.  Documented in numerous peer-reviewed studies, Reading Recovery©, a short-term, one-to-one tutorial, helps the lowest performing first-grade children make accelerated progress in literacy so they can take advantage of classroom instruction. For students needing additional small group support in reading, writing, and phonics, our team provides professional learning in the evidence-based Leveled Literacy Intervention. Peer-reviewed research demonstrates that Literacy Collaborative not only improves the learning trajectory of students but positively impacts school culture. 

  With our unwavering commitment to inclusion and equity, we continue to work in partnership with schools, families, and communities to invest in teacher expertise to ensure equitable literacy outcomes for each child in the educational system.