Carlow University Rural and Underserved Engagement (CURE) Program 

Carlow University’s Underserved and Rural Engagement (CURE) Program is a grant-funded initiative supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program seeks to increase the number of behavioral health professionals dedicated to working in interprofessional teams with vulnerable and underserved populations.  

“Advocating for vulnerable and underserved populations is central to Carlow University’s own values,” said President Dr. Kathy Humphrey. “The CURE program is a timely and much needed reflection on how Carlow continues to adapt to the needs of our community regardless of what is happening around the world.” 

The CURE program provides Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and Counseling Psychology Doctoral (PsyD) students with didactic and hands-on training to increase student knowledge and competencies in interdisciplinary settings while simultaneously meeting the needs of those in underserved communities. Attention to concepts of trauma-informed care, social justice, and advocacy are infused throughout the program.  

Currently, students and patients from 10 contiguous counties in southwest Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Indiana, Jefferson, Washington, and Westmoreland are being served. Through collaboration with these urban and rural/partially rural counties in underserved areas, students are afforded the opportunity to interact and engage with diverse populations during their training. Students receive a stipend that program leadership believes lessens the financial strain associated with graduate school.  

In addition, behavioral health professionals regionally and across the United States are invited to participate in CURE’s Bi-Monthly Speaker Series which provides training related to working with marginalized populations and free CEUs for licensed social workers, counselors and psychologists. This is done in support of advancing clinician expertise and building a community of behavioral health professionals who are able to provide quality care and supervision in interprofessional settings.  

For more information about CURE and to apply please email:

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Mary C. Burke, PhD Professor, Psychology

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