ELAC Department of Psychology and Addiction Studies Program Awarded $8.1 Million in Grants

July 25, 2023

News Media Contact:

Kevin Jimenez, College Public Relations Manager

(323) 265-8807 | @email

ELAC Department of Psychology and Addiction Studies Program Awarded $8.1 Million in Grants

MONTEREY PARK, CA – The East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Psychology department and Addiction Studies program were recently awarded $8.1 million in grants. This is the largest ever received by the department and also one of the largest grants awarded in ELAC history. There has been a shortage of Addiction Counselors in the United States and ELAC is ready to bolster the workforce. A portion of this grant will also go to the ELAC Foundation to help train and place addiction counseling interns.

ELAC Department of Psychology and Addiction Studies program will receive the following grants:

• $6.1 million from the Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) Department to train and place a total of 158 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselors over the next 3 years. Grant partners in the Substance Use Disorders Earn and Learn (SUDEAL) project include the Amity Foundation, Cuesta College, CRCD, LA CADA treatment center, NewWays toWork, and Helpline Youth Counseling.
• $1.5 million from the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) to administer a 3 year Substance Use and Behavioral Disorders Apprenticeship Program (SUBDAP). ELAC’s SUD Apprenticeship program was recently approved by the State’s Department of Labor and this project will significantly increase employment opportunities for Addiction Studies graduates.
• $203,000 from the Justice and Careers Opportunity Department (JCOD) to continue the College to Careers Bridge program targeting persons who have been impacted by the criminal justice system and helping them earn a certificate in Addiction Studies.
• $135,000 awarded to the ELAC Foundation to train and place Addiction Counseling interns at Helpline Youth Counseling’s Mentored Internship Program (MIP)
• $60,000 awarded to the ELAC Foundation to process stipends for the SUBDAP grant.
• $150,000 awarded to the ELAC Foundation for the ELAC Cares Grant, helping youth start their career pathway in the Addiction Studies Field.

“These grants provide a fabulous opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Lisa Vartanian, Director of the ELAC Addiction Studies Program.

Dr. Lou Hughes, lead grant writer said “We would like to thank Dr. John Rude, retired Resource, Economic Development & Innovation Office Dean, for helping us write competitive proposals.”

“I am proud of Dr. Vartanian and all the Addiction Studies staff and faculty at ELAC. These substantial grants will help this amazing program continue to educate and place vital counselors to help those struggling with addiction here in Los Angeles,” said ELAC President Alberto J. Román.

About ELAC Addiction Studies Program

The ELAC Addiction Studies program offers skills certificates, preparing students for careers such as Prevention Specialist, Recovery Specialist or a Substance Abuse Assessor. With only 10 classes and 2 internships students can become state certified Addiction Counselors and begin their career in addiction treatment, prevention, or intervention. Learn more about the program by visiting the ELAC website or watching this video.

About East Los Angeles College  

ELAC is the largest of nine two-year community colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), www.laccd.edu. More information about ELAC is available online at http://www.elac.edu/. Follow ELAC on social media, Instagram @ELACHuskies, Twitter @EastLACollege, and Facebook @Eastlacollege.