Erika Carr, PhD (2020 Chair/Divisions Representative); Scott Sperling, PsyD (2020 Vice-chair/Practice Representative); Abbey Hughes, PhD (Science Representative); Joshua G. Kellison, PhD (Education Representative); Rebecca Richey, PsyD (SPTA Representative); and Chrysalis Wright, PhD (Governance and Membership Representative).
Staff Liaisons: Catherine Grus, PhD; Allison Gillens, MPS
The Committee on Early Career Psychologists (CECP) represents the unique interests and concerns of early career psychologists, promotes their expertise, and fosters leaders with the passion and innovation to advance psychological advocacy, education, practice and science. CECP is guided by the following priorities: a) encourage ECPs to understand their civic responsibility to the field and society, including increasing engagement in leadership within APA and their communities, b) promote the financial wellness of ECPs, and c) promote the career and educational development of ECPs.
CECP has been involved in numerous leadership and professional development activities which help prepare the discipline and profession of psychology for the future. For example, CECP sponsored a variety of ECP-focused programs at APA Convention and PsycCareers Live sessions. Programming themes focused on effective strategies on career advancement, how to fund research, and supporting the professional development of ECPs of Color.
In 2020, nine ECPs and five graduate students from SPTAs and APA Divisions were selected to participate in the pilot of a leadership development fellowship program. The program involves attending Practice Leadership Conference, the Emerging Leaders in Psychology Academy, and the August Council of Representatives meeting, as well as receiving a year-long mentorship from a Council member. A regular speaker series was provided as additional professional development. The SPTAs and APA Divisions that nominated fellows were also presented a grant to develop their own leadership pipelines
To advocate for psychology and psychologists, CECP was able to support the attendance of 21 ECPs at APA’s Virtual Convention (many attending for the first time) through the APA Achievement Award for Early Career Psychologists.
CECP engaged in a series of conversations to establish strategic priorities and actions that will foster desired outcomes. CECP’s new strategic priorities are to promote the development of ECP’s leadership skills and knowledge as well as increase ECP representation in governance and leadership throughout the APA. Moreover, the committee is focusing on promoting the processes that will improve equitable and beneficial access to psychological science across communities and plan to work collaboratively with other APA groups to increase their impact on the organization.
Ongoing CECP projects that are supporting these priorities include the committee developing a network that will connect ECP leaders across the organization, enhancing training opportunities for ECPs, and highlighting ECPs who are actively engaging in anti-racism/anti-prejudice activities. Furthermore, CECP restructuring their strategic priorities assist in engaging with and delivering value to members, building a foundation of science and being a champion for diversity and inclusion.