Wednesday, August 19, 2026 / University of Oregon / national partner network
UO gets $125 million to export its youth mental-health training model
The first phase funds a new Catalyst Center and three partner universities, each slated for a $30 million program-development grant.
The University of Oregon's undergraduate child-behavioral-health model is becoming a national expansion project. Ballmer Group announced a $125 million grant to launch the first phase, including a new Catalyst Center for Youth Behavioral Health inside UO's Ballmer Institute.
The initial plan is to select three partner universities and give each $30 million to build a bachelor's-level training program based on UO's model. A later phase could add 15 more institutions, creating a network of up to 18 programs over 10 years.
The work focuses on early identification, prevention and brief intervention rather than replacing psychologists, social workers or other licensed clinicians. UO's degree includes at least 700 hours of supervised practice, and Oregon has created a license for graduates to work under direct supervision in settings such as schools, pediatric clinics and community organizations. The Catalyst Center is scheduled to launch Sept. 1.
Field notes
What changed: A $125 million Ballmer Group grant starts a national expansion of UO's undergraduate child-behavioral-health training model.
Why it matters: The project aims to build a new supervised bachelor's-level workforce across as many as 18 universities.
Who may be affected: UO's Ballmer Institute, future partner universities, students and youth-serving health, school and community systems.