South Mountain Community College’s Behavioral Sciences program is proud to announce a $5,000 award from Banner Health Plan to support curriculum innovation and workforce development initiatives that prepare students for meaningful careers in behavioral health.
This investment reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Arizona’s behavioral health workforce through high-quality, career-focused education. As the demand for trained behavioral health providers continues to grow, the funding will allow the program to expand and enhance learning opportunities that directly align with industry needs and student success outcomes.
Through this community reinvestment, South Mountain Community College will focus on both the development of new curriculum and the enhancement of existing courses to ensure students are prepared with the knowledge, skills, and cultural responsiveness required in today’s behavioral health settings.
Three existing courses will undergo significant enhancements:
• BHS 430: Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
• BHS 185: Cultural Competence in Behavioral Health
• BHS 385: Multicultural Approaches to Behavioral Health Care
These updates will incorporate current industry standards, evidence-based practices, and applied learning opportunities that mirror real-world behavioral health environments. Students will benefit from expanded experiential activities, workforce-relevant competencies, and a curriculum aligned with evolving professional expectations across the behavioral health field.
In addition to strengthening current coursework, the award will support the development of curriculum content for:
• BHS 271: Developmental Disabilities Assistance Training
This course is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and practical skills to better serve individuals with developmental disabilities. The course will further enhance students’ readiness for employment in behavioral health and related helping professions.
“We are grateful for Banner – University Family Care partnership and investment in our students and program,” said Brielle Rawlings-Dube, Behavioral Sciences Faculty. “This funding allows us to continue building innovative learning experiences that prepare students to make a meaningful impact in the behavioral health field.”
By investing in curriculum innovation today, Banner – University Family Care and South Mountain Community College are helping shape a stronger, more compassionate behavioral health workforce for Arizona’s future.