Help for students of color

Ethnic minority students interested in careers in psychology should contact APA to receive a series of brochures that offer valuable tips on how to manage a successful psychology education and career.

Three booklets in the series target students?the first assists high school students, a second offers advice to college students and a third provides tips on applying to graduate school.

A fourth brochure is a resource for professional programs on ethnic-minority recruitment and retention. Each brochure is packed with organizational timelines, useful facts, advice from experts and additional information sources.

The Psychology Education and Careers Guidebook series was developed by APA?s Commission on Ethnic Minority Recruitment, Retention and Training in Psychology and APA?s Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs (OEMA).

For High School Students of Color describes what psychologists do, compares the educational requirements for different psychology careers and highlights some of the significant contributions of psychologists of color. Students learn how to prepare for a career in psychology, such as participating in science competitions and volunteering at mental health clinics or community centers. The brochure recommends points for students to consider when selecting a college, such as the school?s educational philosophy and its composition of ethnic students.

For College Students of Color describes ways undergraduate students can get their psychology career on track?by networking, finding social support groups and gaining research experience. This brochure contains a section on developing and maintaining mentor relationships, which can maximize the college training experience. The brochure also offers advice on selecting a graduate school program and provides tips on what to do if you are not admitted to graduate school.

Applying to Graduate School and Professional Programs offers students advice on what to look for in a prospective graduate program, such as the quality of the faculty and the program?s reputation for admitting ethnic minorities. It identifies potential concerns students may overlook, such as a school?s proximity to ethnic populations that the student may want to study or serve. The brochure also offers tips on organizing and streamlining the application process and lists resources that can help students of color stand out in the application pool.

Resources for Psychology Training Programs: Recruiting Students of Color can help psychology graduate- and professional-training programs boost ethnic-minority recruitment and retention and enhance the recruitment process. It offers suggestions on creating an environment that supports students of color, ensuring faculty are committed to ethnic-minority students? interests and improving ethnic-minority recruitment strategies.

APA is sending a copy of For College Students of Color and How to Apply to Graduate Programs of Psychology to each psychology department and program in the United States, and a copy of Resources for Psychology Training Programs to each psychology graduate program and professional school of psychology. OEMA is teaming up with the APA Committee on Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools to distribute free copies of Tips for High School Students of Color to high school teachers and school psychologists. Individuals may request up to 10 free copies of each pamphlet. Additional copies are 50 cents each. Contact: APA?s Public Interest Directorate, (202) 336-6056.

? Jamie Chamberlin