Psi Alpha has been steadily expanding with new membership and newly chartered chapters all summer long! Psi Alpha is the only high school honor society specifically for high school students who are interested in broadening their understanding of psychology as a science and exploring the wide range of career pathways in the field. Recently, Psi Alpha has been involved in several student-centered projects, including creating a video series for students to learn how to find mentors in psychology and how they can participate in research while still in high school. In collaboration with a grant generously awarded by the American Psychological Foundation, Psi Alpha Executive Director, Dr. Bryan Gerber, and Fordham University's Dr. Harold Takooshian are working on a series of videos describing the various avenues high school students can take to find a mentor and participate in research.
The organization is also looking to begin the 2023-2024 school year by incorporating an organization-wide research project, where the student members work together in focus groups, selecting a topic relevant to the high school student experience. By the conclusion of the school year, chapters will have participated in a national research project, and the students will have learned to incorporate the scientific method, from start to finish, to produce a full-length scientific study. Additionally, Psi Alpha will begin recruiting membership from every region across the country to create the first Psi Alpha National Student Council. This is a new opportunity for students to be involved with Psi Alpha at the national level and work with other young, passionate, psychology enthusiasts, providing insight into the member experience, and exploring how Psi Alpha can continue to fulfill its mission of enhancing high school students’ understanding and knowledge of the science of psychology, how psychology benefits society, and career opportunities available in psychology.
If you are a high school student, you can learn how to start a Psi Alpha chapter at your school, and reach out to Kristen Mitzel, the Psi Alpha Director of Operations
About the author
Kristen Mitzel is the Director of Operations for Psi Alpha and a recent graduate of Wright State University, earning a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling and a Master of Education in school counseling. Her research interests include trauma informed care for youth and animal assisted therapy. She has a therapy dog named Eli, who she is currently integrating in programming with her students. She also enjoys working with indoor percussion and color guard ensembles in the Dayton, Ohio area, where she resides.
