Scholar FAQs

Find quick answers to the most common questions geared toward REACH 2.0 Program Scholars.

Updated: October 2025

SCholar Frequently asked questions

The REACH 2.0 program is a SAMHSA-funded, immersive training experience in evidenced-based addiction health care practices for medical students, residents and fellows, training in addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry, serving individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Through collaboration, specialized training, and national networking, Scholars and Near Peers gain the skills and support needed to deliver responsive, equity-focused care.

REACH 2.0 provides training and mentorship to 20 Scholars and 20 Near Peers each year. Each group of participants is referred to as a cohort.

ACAAM is the American College of Academic Addiction Medicine, the sponsoring organization of REACH 2.0. Our mission is to promote academic excellence and inspire leadership in addiction medicine.


ACAAM is dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of academic addiction medicine leaders needed to meet the ubiquitous health challenges from substance use. Central to this mission is committed action to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion of the academic addiction medicine workforce.

SAMHSA’s Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) aims to improve behavioral health care outcomes for all by providing professional development and training opportunities for the behavioral health workforce. For more information, please visit the SAMHSA website.

REACH 2.0 Scholars are medical students, residents, or fellows who are passionate about advancing their expertise and leadership in Addiction Medicine (AM) or Addiction Psychiatry (AP). Each year, selected participants form a new cohort, creating a shared experience among peers navigating similar stages of career development.

As part of REACH 2.0, Scholars are matched with two mentors: a REACH 2.0 Mentor (a senior leader in AM or AP with many years of experience in the field) and a Near Peer Mentor (an early-career physician who completed a mentorship program within the last 5 years and is slightly further along in their professional journey).

This mentorship model offers Scholars comprehensive support—combining the wisdom of seasoned professionals with the relatable insight of someone who recently faced similar challenges. Scholars benefit from guidance, coaching, sponsorship, and encouragement from both mentors, forming a dynamic triad built on trust, collaboration, and shared learning. The result is a highly supportive, inclusive environment where Scholars are empowered to grow as clinicians and leaders in addiction-focused healthcare.

Program Information

REACH 2.0 programming builds off the successes of the original REACH program with some exciting adaptations and innovations. The program is a comprehensive 12-month experience that begins with training during the mandatory Welcome Intensive Workshop. Scholars participate in sessions that use various interactive formats, including workshops, panel discussions, and community engagement activities. To support ongoing development, REACH 2.0 also offers monthly webinars for continued education. Additionally, Scholars are required to attend Health and Wellness sessions that model the importance of well-being and self-care to support them in the care and treatment of individuals with SUD.

Scholars are paired with both a traditional REACH 2.0 mentor and a Near Peer. REACH 2.0 Mentors bring years of experience in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry, providing conventional guidance and sponsorship. Near Peers are early-career physicians who completed REACH 2.0 or a similar program within the last five years. They offer a relatable perspective, having recently navigated similar challenges. Together, this mentorship triad fosters collaboration, shared learning, and mutual encouragement.

The Welcome Intensive Workshop occurs in July. The location and date are to be determined. Travel stipends are provided for the Scholars to attend the Welcome Intensive Workshop.

We will accept 20 Scholars and 20 Near Peers for the 2026-2027 cohort.

The REACH 2.0 program has allocated up to a maximum of $40,000 per Scholar to support their participation in the REACH 2.0 program. Funds are disbursed on a quarterly basis based on participation and completion of requirements, and they may be used to support participation, attend additional career and development activities, and completion of the required scholarly project.

All Scholars in the program are required to complete a year-long project. Applicants must submit a Scholarly Project Proposal as part of the application process. Scholarly projects can be educational innovations, quality improvement projects, or research projects. Projects must be completed in one year and align with the REACH 2.0 mission.

The REACH 2.0 program has allocated up to a maximum of $40,000 per Scholar to support their participation in the REACH 2.0 program, related training opportunities, and the other activities related to the participant’s growth and development.

The funds are paid directly to the Scholar.

Yes, the stipend is taxable. ACAAM recommends that you consult with a financial expert to understand how this could affect you.

Federal employees should consult with their ethics officer or human resources department regarding receiving stipends.

Scholars are expected to:

  • Meet and engage with matched Near Peer and REACH 2.0 Mentor at least once per quarter
  • When applicable, consistent communication with a local mentor is expected
  • Attend monthly activities that include webinars, training, networking, and panel discussions
  • Attend the 4-day Welcome Intensive Workshop
  • Attend all Health and Wellness Sessions
  • Complete a Scholarly Project
  • Complete and submit surveys and quarterly reports on time.

Program Eligibility & Requirements

Medical students, residents, and fellows who are passionate about treating individuals with SUD and want to provide innovative interventions to vulnerable populations. Applicants must want to specialize in Addiction Medicine, Addiction Psychiatry, or have declared interest in training and treating individuals with substance use disorder (SUD).

All applicants interested in the REACH 2.0 Scholar Program must meet the following criteria:

  • Individuals with innovative and unique perspectives, especially those who have faced historical challenges, fostering an empathic approach to care.
  • Be able to fully participate between July 1, 2026 and enrolled through June 2027
  • Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
  • Willing to commit to the following program expectations:
    • Attend and participate in monthly virtual events (trainings, panel discussions, and Health and Wellness Sessions) throughout the program year
    • Attend the Welcome Intensive Workshop in July 2026 (travel stipends provided)
    • Attend at least one addiction conference over the course of the year (funding provided via stipend)
    • Commit to meeting with your assigned Near Peer and Mentor at least once per quarter
    • Participate in program evaluation activities (including pre- and post-participation surveys, mid-year/exit surveys, quarterly reports, and qualitative interviews)
  • Complete a Scholarly Project (stipends are provided for approved activities)

Application Information & Requirements

The following materials are required:

  • CV
  • Statement of Participation
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • One-page Scholarly Project Proposal

The Statement of Participation must be from the Program Director, Dean of Students, or Dean of Training. It provides permission for the applicant to participate fully in all aspects of the program (i.e., Welcome Intensive Workshop, check-in meetings, monthly health and wellness sessions, and monthly webinars and evaluations).

Two Letters of Recommendation are required upon submission of the application from a current or recent supervisor, peer collaborator, or interdisciplinary team member. Letters of Recommendation must speak to the applicant’s clinical skills, commitment to serving patients, and/or experience providing substance use disorder (SUD) services. Letters must be on official letterhead. Please ensure that the letter is signed by the recommender and that you provide their email address with the application. Please note that the recommender may receive a confirmation email from the REACH 2.0 team to validate their recommendation.

You can demonstrate your commitment in several ways. In your essay, include one or more of the following:

  • Volunteer, community, or work experiences related to SUD care.
  • Personal or lived experience with SUDs.
  • Clearly articulated understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with SUDs.
  • Clinical involvement in caring for patients with SUDs.

Letters of recommendation can highlight your interest, skills, and commitment to improving care for individuals with SUDs and contributing to positive changes within healthcare systems.

On your CV, include relevant academic coursework, publications, clinical experiences, awards, or other accomplishments that demonstrate your engagement with SUD care and system-level improvements.

In your proposal, please describe a Scholarly Project focused on improving care for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) that you plan to undertake during the year. The proposal should include:

  • A brief problem statement that outlines the issue or challenge related to SUD in the population or setting you are targeting.
  • Specify the vulnerable group or context that will be the focus of your project (e.g., individuals receiving care in emergency departments, primary care settings, justice-involved populations, etc.).
  • Define the aims of your project. What do you hope to achieve over the course of your year as a REACH 2.0 Scholar?
  • Identify the key problem you aim to address or specific areas of inquiry you intend to explore, and explain the methodology you plan to use, including any data collection and analysis techniques. Your project may be research, education, or quality improvement (QI) focused.
  • Describe the potential implications of your project: How will it contribute to advancing knowledge, care delivery, or interventions for individuals with SUD? What are the broader implications for healthcare systems and the field of addiction medicine?

Projects should be completed within one year, from July 2026 to June 2027. We strongly recommend that you have a mentor or a professor review your proposal before submission to ensure its clarity and alignment with your goals.

For further information, please contact [email protected].