Advance Training and Connections for Child Behavioral Health Students

The Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health is reshaping how behavioral health professionals are prepared—ensuring they enter the field with meaningful, real-world experience serving children and families. 

Now, we’re extending that impact even earlier in students’ learning. The Ballmer Bound Portland Internship Experience will give undergraduates in the Child Behavioral Health major a structured, immersive opportunity to live, learn, and serve in Portland.

For many students, moving from the community they’ve built in Eugene to the Portland campus can feel like a difficult transition. Ballmer Bound helps bridge that gap by: 

• Connecting students to Portland’s local fabric through community-based work and professional training
• Creating peer support and a sense of belonging in their new campus community
• Positioning students to stay on track for timely graduation and career readiness

By rooting students in both place and purpose, the program prepares them to flourish at UO and beyond.

How the Program Works 

Ballmer Bound is built to remove barriers for students and maximize their impact in the community. Key elements include:

• Stipend and housing support: Each student receives a $7,000 stipend and $3,000 in housing assistance, ensuring equitable access.
• Cohort model and community-building: Students participate in orientation, peer learning, and professional growth activities throughout the summer.
• Applied training: Interns work with organizations serving children and families, gaining real-world experience while making a meaningful contribution.

Why This Program Matters 

By supporting this internship program, you will: 

• Prepare more Child Behavioral Health professionals—ready sooner, with the skills and confidence to meet Oregon’s urgent need for care.
• Foster equity and community connection through placements in trusted Portland nonprofits, schools, and youth-serving organizations.
• Support student success by providing stipends and housing assistance so participation is accessible regardless of financial circumstances.

Your Impact

Each student’s full internship experience represents a $10,000 investment. With your support, we can raise $20,000 to launch this program—opening doors for students while advancing child behavioral health across Oregon. 

Your gift will help train the next generation of behavioral health professionals and expand access to care for the children and families who need it most.