Our Mission
The Helping Professions Education Fund helps social workers and teachers enter and stay in the careers that thriving communities depend on. We fund scholarships, practicum stipends, and classroom support in Colorado and Wyoming, with a special focus on rural communities.
Why it Matters
Social workers and teachers advocate, educate, and empower, often at real personal and financial cost. Students face rising tuition and unpaid practicums. Teachers buy their own classroom supplies. Rural communities feel the shortage of helpers first. Every scholarship, stipend, and box of supplies we fund is an investment in the people who meet those needs.
Meet our Founder
Kush Desai, LCSW, ACS
Executive DirectorKush Desai is an Indian American social worker. He earned his Bachelor of Social Work from Colorado State University and his Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Social Work at Simmons University.
Throughout his career, Kush has served individuals experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, children and families involved in the child welfare system, individuals nearing the end of life through hospice care, and individuals and families navigating mental health challenges. He now provides clinical supervision and consultation to pre-licensure professionals and mental health practices.
Across these experiences, Kush witnessed firsthand the difference that committed, competent helping professionals can make in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. He also recognized the persistent gap between community needs and the resources available to those working to address them.
Kush's late grandfather was an educator and community advocate who worked with students in rural communities, helping them pursue greater opportunities. He instilled in his grandchildren the importance of advocating for others, protecting their communities, and serving others selflessly.
Inspired by his grandfather's example, Kush founded the Helping Professions Education Fund to carry that legacy forward. The Fund's commitment to supporting educators and investing in rural communities reflects his grandfather's values: expanding opportunities, strengthening communities, and ensuring those who serve others have the support they need.