Men of Color Career Advancement℠ (MoCCA) Program

To be eligible for the MoCCA Program, applicants must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Self-identify as a man of color.
• Have a high school diploma, HiSET or GED; an associate’s degree; or be currently enrolled in college but have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.
• Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Pass a Criminal Offender Record Information check.
• Live, work, or be willing to work in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

MoCCA Scholars enroll in a virtual Certificate Training Program that is offered through William James College. Participants attend a series of weekly didactic seminars on core competencies that are relevant to their training. These include Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention, Substance Use & Addictions, Trauma-Informed Interventions, and Self-Care. The training is offered on Fridays via Zoom during the fall and spring semesters (e.g., 15 weeks per semester) and lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours per week.

Scholars who complete the training are awarded a Certificate of Completion and earn some college credits. They also receive a stipend for cost-of-living expenses during their enrollment in the program.

MoCCA Scholars engage in professional experiences that include both paid positions and structured internships, with placements tailored to align with their experience and career goals. Many Scholars are hired as full-time employees at partner agencies, receiving a competitive salary and access to employer-sponsored benefits. In addition to these salaried roles, the program also offers paid internship opportunities—providing an important entry point for individuals who are newer to the field and seeking to build foundational skills in a structured, supportive learning environment. Partner agencies further support Scholars’ development by providing release time to participate in the program’s online Certificate Training Program.

Work placements span a range of community-based settings, including community health centers, outpatient clinics, home-based programs, K–12 schools, residential treatment programs, and inpatient units. In these settings, Scholars provide direct care and support services such as health screenings, health education, resource navigation, care coordination, community integration, and social support to individuals, groups, and families in underserved communities.

Across both employment and internship pathways, Scholars gain meaningful, hands-on experience while actively contributing to the delivery of behavioral health services in their communities. These placements are intentionally designed to support professional growth, strengthen workforce readiness, and create clear pathways to long-term employment and advancement in the behavioral health field.

To apply for the MoCCA Program, please click on this link.

Completed application materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

What happens after I apply?

Completed application materials will be reviewed by the program staff and eligible candidates will be invited for an initial interview to be conducted via Zoom.

Qualified applicants will be recommended for a 2^nd interview with a field training site/employer partner. Candidates will have the option of interviewing at up to three (3) agencies from a list of approved partners. Once all interviews are conducted, candidates will be informed via email of a final decision regarding the status of their application.

How are participants selected for the MoCCA Program?

In addition to the eligibility criteria described above, program participants are selected based on the following:

• Demonstrated commitment to work with underserved populations.
• High levels of cultural awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness.
• Underrepresentation in the behavioral health field (e.g., first-generation students, bilingual/bicultural groups, LGBTQIA+ groups, individuals with disabilities).
• Relevant language proficiency.
• A strong interest in pursuing career ladder opportunities in the behavioral health field.

MoCCA Scholars should expect to:

• Enroll in a virtual Certificate Training Program and attend other professional development activities.
• Earn 3-6 general elective college credits (offered for free upon completion of the training).
• Receive mentorship, career counseling, and coaching support.
• Complete a year-long work or field experience at an approved agency in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through either paid employment or a paid internship placement.
• Receive a salary and benefits for job placements or a stipend for internship experiences, while supporting individuals and groups in underserved communities across Massachusetts.
• Meet all employer partners’ expectations and job requirements.
• Adhere to employers’ policies and procedures for professional conduct and ethical behavior.
• Actively engage in program evaluation activities (i.e., complete surveys and other data collection measures in a timely manner).
• Maintain ongoing communication with the program staff.
• Perform other tasks, as required by the MoCCA Program.