Program Summary
As a trainee in the Advanced Peer Employment, Education, and Recovery Services (A-PEERS) Certified Peer Specialist - Advanced (CPS-A) program, you will complete SW 100 (Introduction to Social Work - 3 credits), SW 260 (Introduction to Case Management - 3 credits), and SW 599 (A-PEERS Field Experience - 3 credits), along with 50 hours of supervised field experience and the Wisconsin-recognized Certified Peer Specialist certification exam. Relevant coursework you have previously completed may be applied toward certificate requirements when applicable, reducing the total number of credits you need. If selected, in order to support your participation, you'll receive a living stipend of $6,000 distributed across the training period (up to 3 semesters) and up to $4,000 in tuition scholarships for the required credits (up to 9).
About the Program
The Advanced Peer Employment, Education, and Recovery Services (A-PEERS) program is a comprehensive training and apprenticeship pathway for individuals who want to become Certified Peer Specialists and then continue into advanced, bachelor’s-level, stackable coursework that expands their role in Wisconsin’s behavioral health and recovery workforce. Participants complete the state-approved peer specialist certification as part of the program and may progress into advanced courses that strengthen skills in recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care, ethics, documentation, leadership, and supervision. A Certified Peer Specialist is trained to use their lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, to support others in achieving their recovery, wellness, employment, and life goals.
To reduce barriers to participation and support student success, A-PEERS provides scholarships that cover most tuition costs, stipends to offset the time spent in training and field-based learning, and a full range of academic and career supports. Participants receive individualized academic coaching, assistance securing field placements, and job search and career navigation support to help them move into employment and advancement in the peer workforce. Awards are distributed each semester based on course enrollment, and the stackable course design allows participants to earn transferable bachelor’s-level credits while building a sustainable career that expands access to recovery services across Wisconsin communities.
If selected for A-PEERS participation and not already enrolled as a UWM student, you will need to enroll with special student status. Guidance and support will be provided.
Preparing to Apply
In order to complete the application, you will need access to a current resume (covering the last 3 years of applicable employment), and unofficial high school transcripts (in the event that you are not currently enrolled in a post-secondary program).
Additional Information
For more information on the responsibilities of A-PEERS Cohort 1 participation, please review the Student Responsibilities document below.
Student Responsibilities - Cohort 1
Virtual drop-in information sessions:
If you're interested, but still have questions, please reach out to our grant team at citee-main@uwm.edu.
A-PEERS
Program Summary
As a trainee in the Advanced Peer Employment, Education, and Recovery Services (A-PEERS) Certified Peer Specialist - Advanced (CPS-A) program, you will complete SW 100 (Introduction to Social Work - 3 credits), SW 260 (Introduction to Case Management - 3 credits), and SW 599 (A-PEERS Field Experience - 3 credits), along with 50 hours of supervised field experience and the Wisconsin-recognized Certified Peer Specialist certification exam. Relevant coursework you have previously completed may be applied toward certificate requirements when applicable, reducing the total number of credits you need. If selected, in order to support your participation, you'll receive a living stipend of $6,000 distributed across the training period (up to 3 semesters) and up to $4,000 in tuition scholarships for the required credits (up to 9).
About the Program
The Advanced Peer Employment, Education, and Recovery Services (A-PEERS) program is a comprehensive training and apprenticeship pathway for individuals who want to become Certified Peer Specialists and then continue into advanced, bachelor’s-level, stackable coursework that expands their role in Wisconsin’s behavioral health and recovery workforce. Participants complete the state-approved peer specialist certification as part of the program and may progress into advanced courses that strengthen skills in recovery-oriented practice, trauma-informed care, ethics, documentation, leadership, and supervision. A Certified Peer Specialist is trained to use their lived experience with mental health and/or substance use recovery, to support others in achieving their recovery, wellness, employment, and life goals.
To reduce barriers to participation and support student success, A-PEERS provides scholarships that cover most tuition costs, stipends to offset the time spent in training and field-based learning, and a full range of academic and career supports. Participants receive individualized academic coaching, assistance securing field placements, and job search and career navigation support to help them move into employment and advancement in the peer workforce. Awards are distributed each semester based on course enrollment, and the stackable course design allows participants to earn transferable bachelor’s-level credits while building a sustainable career that expands access to recovery services across Wisconsin communities.
If selected for A-PEERS participation and not already enrolled as a UWM student, you will need to enroll with special student status. Guidance and support will be provided.
Preparing to Apply
In order to complete the application, you will need access to a current resume (covering the last 3 years of applicable employment), and unofficial high school transcripts (in the event that you are not currently enrolled in a post-secondary program).
Additional Information
For more information on the responsibilities of A-PEERS Cohort 1 participation, please review the Student Responsibilities document below.
Student Responsibilities - Cohort 1
Virtual drop-in information sessions:
If you're interested, but still have questions, please reach out to our grant team at citee-main@uwm.edu.