CRSS Success Program Awards Announced

The CRSS Success Program will support students with lived experience of mental health or substance use recovery to enter the behavioral health workforce.

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health today announced 11 recipients of Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) Success Program grants.

The program provides post-secondary education for up to 600 individuals with lived experience of either or both mental health and substance use recovery to enter the behavioral health workforce.

The program will also provide support for students to overcome practical barriers to success, such as childcare and transportation.

Program participants will be prepared to sit for one of two certification exams through the Illinois Certification Board-Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)-to further pursue their careers in behavioral health.

Interested students can apply for the program at the following colleges and universities:

  • College of DuPage
  • Elgin Community College
  • Governor's State University
  • Heartland Community College
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Malcolm X College
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Rincon/New Hope School of Counseling
  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  • Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
  • University of Saint Francis